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Money 

Against 

Money 



A Play On High Finance 




Copyright, 1911 

By CLARENCE J. SHIPTON 

All Rights Reserved 



Advance Printing Co., Grand and Finney Aves., St. Louis 



yX 



Money Against Money n^oS^^^^ 



A Play on High Finance 



n^:.^ 



SYNOPSIS. 
Prolog. The grand ball. Advent of the modern Alonte Christo; 
He makes good socially. "Monte Christo lived for self, Le Moyne 
lives for all." The multimillionairess; the hero's refusal of her'X;, 
hfty million dollar bond subscription in the w^orld's trifst" '"What"' 
a general he must be to have massed his forces so quietly. That's 
just the vi-ay papa used to do." The faithful old nurse and her 
more ancient suitor: "Ach Gott. dem rheumatics!" The invoca- 
tion: "Father come to me again and show me more of the fu- 
ture." 

ACT I. 

The biters bitten. Meeting of the directors of The'^Consoli- •• 
dated American Mining Association during a panic in Wall Street. 
"TO HELL WITH THE PEOPLE!" "You are a traitor to 
your country and to humanity!" The quarrel and separation of 
interests. Plotting. "The Czar of Russia wouldn't dare so much." 
"The Czar of Russia hasn't the money that I have." "Five cents 
fo' yo' honesty!" Secret service. "x\irs fair in love and war, 
and this is war!" Meeting of the retired Wall Street magnate 
and the manager of the world's trust. Business sagacity of the 
latter. 

The arrest. Outmatched. "Damnation!" 

ACT II. 
The bungalow in Colorado. Unspoken love. (Song) "Cleans- 
ing Fire." Sacrifice of self on the altar of love for all. The 
call of the world. "How happy they are in each other's love, 
while I — worship — unsought." 

ACT III. 

Two years have elapsed. Parallel management of the world's 
trust and the president's veto to the funding bill bought through 
the house and senate have brought about a cataclysm in Wall 
Street. "Supplied by the water running out of stocks." "EXTRY! 
All about the mob war and finaucial revolution." The hero's life 
is sought by infuriated specul-at-oris. 

"Good bye my boy, God ,b?e*s and keep you." 

ACT IV. 

"Extry! All about the financial revolution and the mol) war!" 
"Extry! All about the riot in the stock exchange!" 

"And the stone that was cut out of the mountains without 
hands shall break in pieces and consume — absorb — all these — mon- 
opolies — and there shall stand forever a kingdom of brotherly 
love wherein the oath of allegiance shall be: "Thou shalt love thy 
neighbor as thyself." 

The prayer for the loved one: "You have given me power to 
help others, Help, Mh3. now. Grant me this one, LITTLE, life." 
The power of Divine Love. The aunt and the bashful family phy- 
sician. His tardy proposal. Congratulations. 

2 

©CI.D :^5965^ . 



Cast of Characters, Costumes. Make-ups. 

Five of six women and seven or nine men necessary; doubles are 
easy. Large mob 

Agnes Gerard. 

A winsome young woman, age twenty four. Auburn hair. 
Is an orphan an.d multimillionairess. Gowns for prolog: White 
satin ball dress embroidered with pearls, cut semi-empire style 
up-to-date. Tiara and jewels of pearls. Changes to handsome 
white lacy negligee at last of prolog. ACT II. Evening gown 
of ivory colored crepe de chine trimmed with lace, cut princess, 
square neck, elbow sleeves, gown is demi-train. A collar of pearls 
about the throat. A lawson pink is pinned on left of corsage dur- 
ing the act. ACT IV. Negligee same as in prolog. 

Mrs. Lucy Temple. 

A widow, aunt to Agnes. A social leader about forty years 
of age. Gown for prolog: Ball dress of rich shade of grass green 
velvet, waist is cut diagonal from right shoulder to left at belt 
thence open down the left side of skirt showing white satin under- 
dress trimmed with emeralds and diamonds in pattern. Diadem 
and necklace of emeralds and diamonds is worn. Gloves are 
white. ACT II. A combination of terra-cotta and olive silk and 
velvet. Rubies sparingly. Carries handsome vineagrevte. ACT 
IV. Rich house dress of blue trimmed with blue velvet. (Can 
double editor in 3rd act. Shirt waist suit.) 

Zora Forester. 

A pert, piquant ingenue about twenty years of age. Is friend 
to Agnes and daughter of Agnes' guardian. Gown for prolog: 

handsome ball dress of turquoise blue satin with gold embroid- 
ered lace over-dress, shoulder-bands of turquoise and diamonds, 
bands of the same on hair and neck. ACT II. Evening gown 
of nile green elaborately trimmed with pink; round neck, elbow 
sleeves, demi-train; diamonds sparingly. ACT IV. Handsome 
carriage dress, picture hat. Doubles editor in third act: Shirt 
waist suit.) 

Mrs. Van Der Vere. 

A grand society dame. Prolog: Black jet spangled lace over 
black satin, jewels of jet and diamonds on neck and hair. (Makes 
quick change for double with old family nurse.) (Doubles editor 
in 3rd act. Shirt waist suit. 

Miss Freda Van Der Vere. 

Prolog: Coral pink silk ball dress, full train handsomely draped, 
a diadem of diamonds and corals. ACT II. Canary colored ev- 
ening gown, demitrain, elbow sleeves, round neck. Long over- 
coat of same material cut empire fastened low at the neck with 
black cord and tassels and trimmed around the edge with ori- 
ental trimming shaded from pink down into black. Black gloves 
and black picture hat. Black slippers, etc. (Doubles editor in 
3rd act.) 

Josephine Straus. 

A faithful old Dutch nurse; age forty-eight (mentioned). Spot- 
less white dress, nurse's cap, collar, cuffs, white shoes and hose. 

3 



Mrs. Reade. 

Age fifty. Snow white hair (mentioned) Cotton gown and 
head covering. 

Daniel Le MoyrxC. 

Age forty; distingue. Has dark hair, grey at the temples, be- 
comes whiter for 3rd act. Large physique, forceful and 
magnetic. Organizer of the world's trust and editor of The Great- 
er^ New York Dailv. Prolog: Full dress suit. Act T. Business 
suit, overcoat and hat. Act II. Evening suit. Act III. Business 
suit, overcoat and hat. Act lY. Business suit, same as in act 3rd. 

Harvey Holmes. 
Bright, volatile but earnest. A warm friend to Le Moyne and 
eventually co-editor with him. Prolog: Full dress suit. Act IL 
Evening dress suit. Act III. Business suit, in shirt sleeves. 

Dr Martin. 
The Gerard family physician, in love with Mrs. Temple. Age 
about fifty, is very bashful. Prolog: Full dress suit. Act II. Even- 
ing dress suit. Act IV. Professional suit. (Can double Lindell in 
first act, also editor in 3rd act.) 

Lawrence Guiile. 

Prolog only. Full dress suit. (Can double black face in first 
act, news reporter in third act.) 

Duke De Calculari. 

An Italian fortune hunter. Little with large moustache. Wears 
corsets under evening dress suit with coat buttoned tightly at the 
waist line, eye glasses. (Doubles old Dutchman in Prolog, Jew in 
first act; editor in third act.) 

Henry Sprech. 

In prolog only. Is ninety-two years old, little, thin, wrinkled, 
frisky, wiry. Has thin goatee on chin and one on the front part 
of top of his head. Head mostly bald, with only a few straggling 
locks. Wears neat serving attire, which exaggerates his shriveled 
appearance. Is a care taker. (Doubles Italian, Jew and editor: 
All bits.) 

Ernest Robey. 

A press reporter in third act only. Business suit, overcoat 
and hat. (Doubles black face and Guiile.) 

Mustapha Mohammet Delamar. 
A colored importation from the far south, an assistant janitor. 
White jumper suit, porter's cap. (Doubles Guiile and reporter.) 

Lincoln Bradley. 

Editor and reporter. Shirt sleeves. 

Timothy McCarthy. 

An Irish janitor. Brown jumper suit. (Is a double.) 

L. D. Mann. 

Superintendent of telegraphers and press dispatchers. Work- 
ing clothes. (A double.) 

4 



Charles Barret. 
Captain of mob. (A double.) 

John Taylor. 

Master of mechanical effects and properties. 

News Boys. 

John Lee, Jimmy Piper, Dick Jones, Peter Smith. (Heard 
not seen.) 

Large mob heard in the distance only. 

Charley Wright and Arthur Rynhardt and other office boys in 
third act only. Ralph Greanleaf, city editor; Gary McNeal, Sunday 
editor; Kate Eastman, society editor. (As many men and women 
on for editors, etc., as space will allow.) Women in shirt waists 
and plain skirts, men in working clothes, some with shirt sleeves) 
Reporters. 

Norman Rutledge. 

A compositor. Soiled working clothes, apron, shirt sleeves 
rolled up. 

Directors of The Consolidated American Mining Association. 

George Brainard — President. A high priest of finance. Is pow- 
erfully built, heavy set and large, tall, white hair, close cut, clean 
shaven. Fine business suit, overcoat and hat on chair for later 
use. (Doubles stage director.) 

A. M. Armstrong — General manager. A famous operator on 
the stock exchange. Tall, large and powerfully built, waving dark 
hair, slightly sprinkled with grey; sandy moustache, large, well de- 
fined features. Striped pants, black coat and vest. Watch chain 
visible, overcoat and hat on chair for later use. (Doubles assist- 
ant stage director. Is a second lead in one act only.) 

H. J. Lindell — V.-P. A conservative. Head partly bald. Van 

Dyke moustache and beard, partly grey, strong expression. Uses 

eyeglasses Fine business suit, overcoat and hat on chair for later 
use. (Doubles Dr. Martin and editor.) 

Jacob Felheimer. A refined Jew. Speaks with a slight Jewish 

accent on some words. Large, broad forehead, almost to baldness. 

Long, straight nose, wears eyeglasses. Business suit. Overcoat and 
hat on chair for future use. 

L. D. Stillwell. Back and top of head is bald, fringed around 
with dyed dark hair. Plain business suit, overcoat and hat on chair 
for future use. 



PROPERTIES 

PROLOG. 
Dainty stationery, folded paper and envelopes on desk. Gas 
logs for fire. Sofa pillows and handsome silk coverlet for couch. 
Gilt clock and candelabras. 

ACT I. 
Extra heavy bronze paper weight on table. Writing material, 
pencil and pocket memorandum, mirror glass for over mantel (to 
break). Legal size envelope with papers enclosed. Phonographic 
record receiver. Phone, typewriter, etc., twenty dollar bill, nickel, 
two cigars, matches, broom, dust pan and brush. 

ACT IL 
Books, magazines, large portfolio of views, quantity of kodak 
pictures, quantity of sheet music, large quantity of flowers, a law- 
son pink, telegram. 

ACT in. 

Six large mail bags, one full of exchanges, extra large quan- 
tity of exchanges; shears and paste pot with brush. Card: "City 
editor". Card: "Sunday editor. Card: "editorial", pneumatic tubes, 
etc., telegraphic instruments and ear receiving attachments, num- 
erous typewriters and telephones, two adjustable head receiving 
telephones. Stock ticker, ribbon and basket. Large waste basket. 
Litter for the floor. Calendars, maps, notices, papers on hie. Quan- 
tity of galle}^ Pictures of Abraham Lincoln and George Washing- 
ton. Paper for (opv. 

ACT IV. 

A dainty bible, a newspaper, dainty envelope with paper en- 
closed. Pocket medicine case with bottles and powders. A baby 
six months old or more, handsome white cap and cloak and gar- 
ments for baby. 

SETTING FOR PROLOG. 

Boxed in boudoir with massive Avide center door, set open entrance 
R. 3 E. Window L. 3 E. Draperies. Golden yellow silk. Decorations 
and floor coverings shaded from light yellow into golden brown. 
The walls are set in panels with a deep frieze bordering. A large 
picture of Daniel in the lion's den is hung in one panel left of 
C. D., and a companion piece in panel R. of C. D. An oil paint- 
ing of middle aged man is hung over a high antique mantel on 
which is set a gilded clock and pair of candelabras. The mantel 
and wood work surrounding lire place is the color of sandal wood, 
matching the dark brown decorations. Brass andirons support burn- 
ing gas logs in the fire place. The floor is covered with oriental 
rugs shaded from light yellow into golden brown. A large cloth 
representing a leoi)ard's skin covers a couch, the head of which is 
set near center even with R. 3 E. the foot, near fire place, R. 1 E. 
Desk with chair in front of it sets R. 2 E. Handsome screen di- 
rectly back of the couch. Stand with vase of flowers right of cen- 
ter door. Large easy chair between C. D. and L. 3 TC. Pedestal 
with statuary left upi)er corner. Dainty writing material and folded 
letter on desk. Settee down L. 1. E. 

Setting rear of Center door. Is hung with large handsome piece 
of tapestry. Set with dainty settee. Set open entrance R. .3 E. also 
shows dainty setting. 



MONEY AGAINST MONEY 



PROLOG. 



At rise. Subdued conversation and music is heard in the dis- 
tance. Music is continuous throughout the whole scene until after 
the Ostende is played for the dance on the stage and exit of the 
dancers. 

Mrs. Vander Vere , Miss Vander Vere and Lawrence Guille 
are discovered. 
Mrs. V. Is seated on settee down L. 1 E. Miss V. and Guille stand 
at rear of settee, Miss V. near the end of settee R., with 
her back partially turned to audience, is talking to Guille 
and partially listening to her mother. 
Mrs. V. (Speaking to Miss V. as the curtain is being raised.) What 
a delightful entertainment. Mrs. Temple has certainly 
spcired nothing to make this ball the event of the sea- 
son. The m.ost exclusive set is out in full force. 
Mrs. T. — (Enters C. D., chatting with Dr. Martin as they go down 

R.) 

Mrs. V. Mrs. Temple, I must congratulate you upon the grand 
success of your entertainment. 

Mrs. T. Thanks Mrs. Van Der Vere. I was determined for onc(» 
to bring my niece out of her shell and incidentally to 
make a feature of this ball. 

i\Irs. V. You certainly have succeeded. Such an array of wealth, 
beaut}^ wit and genius was never before assembled in 
New York. 

Dr. M. But the best of it is, that with all those foreign dukes 
and lords our plain modern Monte Christo as he is called, 
is the most lionized. That man has a remarkably win- 
ning personality. 

Mrs. T. (Laughing) A fortune of nine hundred and sixty mil- 
lions is apt to give one a winning personality. Really 
the amount seems almost incredible. 

Guille But if Wall Street dared to let the truth be known, its 
high priest of finance would be found to be far richer. 

Mrs. T. You think so, Mr. Guille? 

Guille I know it. The wealth of the Monte Christ period of 
writing sinks into insignificance compared to the wealth 
of Qur present time millionaires. 

Holmes (Enters C. D. with Zora Forester. He stands listening 
to the following speech. 

Zora (Joins Miss V. down L.) ' 

Guille (Continuing) Wh^v^ Le MojMie could out-do Monte Christo 
in the ;-plendor of his life if he weren't such a fanatic to 
be spending all that money among the common people. 

Llolmes Fanatic! You are off my boy. Lie simply does things 
while others just cackle at every new hatch of the trusts. 
And I'd like to have you tell me, what life could be more 
splendid than the uplift he's giving to humanity. Monte 
Christo lived for self, Le Afoyne lives for all. 

Mrs. V. Oh, 3^ou know him Mr, Holmes? (questioningly). 

Holmes Slightly. We starved once in the same garret to get a 
footing in journalism. 



^ifs. V. Ail, that \tas in the da3-s wheii he and his father were 
estranged. 

Hohnes Yes, and all because he refused to follow his father's 
methods of crushing opposition to absorb it. 

Guille The old man did the handsom.e though belore he died. 

Holmes That was because his business sense told him who would 
make the best use of his money. 

Zora Just as Agnes does v»ith her money, what a glorious 

match they would make. 

All (Laugh.) 

I\Irs. T. Oh, Zora. 

Mrs. V. (Rising and turning to Zora playfully as she goes up 
stage.) You little match maker; As if Miss Gerard would 
marry him with all those titles read}^ to be laid at her 
feet. They say that the grand duke has no end of money 
and palaces, and his pedigree dates back to — a — to — a — • 

Zora (Roguishly) To the monkey? 

All (Laugh.) 

]\lrs. V. At any rate, did you notice how signalled the duke's at- 
tentions were to Miss Gerard? 

Zora (Going down in fornt of settee as she speaks) And did 

you see how charmingly she disposed of him when Har- 
vey presented Mr. Le Moyne? If titles were any temp- 
tation Agnes Gerard could have been a countess or a 
duchess long ago. 

l\Irs. V. I don't doubt it in the least. (Turns to ]\Iiss V.) Come, 
dear, let us return to the ball room. (Aside to Miss V.) 
Get rid of Guille, he's spoiling all your chances. (Exits 
C. D.) 

iMiss V. Yes, Mamma. (Turns to Guille knowingly as she exits 
CD.) 

Guille (Following and speaking aside as he exits.) Confound 
that old woman, she's like an old hen with one chicken. 
(Exits C. D.) 

Holmes (Joining Zora, laughing) You a match maker, if she's 
not one it isn't her fault. 

Dr. M. (Laughing.) I reckon the young folks are a match for 
her. 

Mrs. T. (Laughing, as she goes to C. D.) It looks that way. 

Holmes If only those anxious mammas could see themselves tr}^- 
ing to beguile those foxy old millionaires. 

Mrs. T. Oh Mr. Holmes, vou are incorrigible. 

Zora That's just what I've been telling him. And as if Freda 

with her millions cared for more. 

Holmes Oh, those things grow on what they feed. 

Zora (Shakes her head reprovingly, then turns to ]\Irs. T.) 

Don't go. 

Mrs. T. I must. I must be on hand for the last act of the even- 
ing. Will you join me, Dr. Martin. 

Dr. M. With pleasure. (They exit C. D. together.) 

Holmes (Gathers Zora in his arms and draws her down on the 
settee.) Isn't she a darling to leave us alone? 

Zora (Struggles.) You dreadful boy, to rumnle my gown (Ad- 

justs the diamond shoulder band.) If you were going 
to Colorado so soon I should be sc) angry — 

Holmes I'm awfully sheered. (Draws her closer.) 

Zora Harvey, be sensible; I've something to tell you. Do you 

8 



know what you did when you told Agnes all aliout the 
world's trusts. 

Holmes Xo, what? 

Zora She's subscribed for fifty million dollars' worth of its 

bgnds. 

Holmes Xo! 

Zora That's half her fortune. 

Holmes What's that compared to Le Moyne's. He put the whole 
of his in its bonds and he cashed in on the old trusts 
at face value. Oh, he's got a head on him. 

Zora But suppose it should fail and they should both lose. 

Holmes They can't lose. The bonds are all secured by proper- 
ties. And you just take it from me, they are not going 
to fail. He's simply lighting a great army of trusts with 
a greater army of trusts and he's bound to win with his 
practical up-to-date methods. (Becomes enthusiastic.) 
Don't you see dear, the people and labor unions with 
their energy and industries capitalized have every ad- 
vantage of iust organized capital. (Points off an imagin- 
ary line with his index finger.) .S'ee — here you have it 
clear as day. On this side of the line is organized capi- 
tal. On this side of the line is labor capitalized. Labor 
capitalized means mone}^ for the laborer. It gives him 
purchasing power, the full result of the use of his brawn, 
his brain, his practical experience or training. It gives 
him courage backed by the force of numbers to act, not 
only in trade, but in the political field as well. He be- 
comes a producer on a paying scale, a self patron. You 
see, dear, in labor capitalized, people would have them- 
selves for employers, themselves for employes, them- 
selves for patrons. Everything to make a complete suc- 
cess, and wdiat is best of all it ^vould give them a dignity 
of manhood and womanhood that could be acquired in 
no otl^'^r way. Tell me. WHiat do you see left for or- 
ganized canital without the people's patronage, and how 
is it possible for them to do business on their fictitious 
values when competing enterprises are run at a greater 
nrofit on actual values? 

Zora I sec it all. Harve}'. It's great. I'm going to make 

Dapa invest for me. I don't wonder you are enthusiastic. 

Holmes Enthusiastic, nothing. I know the plan and the man 
behind it. There's no such thing as I or mine in him, 
and he's so appreciative of his privilege of giving that 
he just forces one for the time to lose sight of his per- 
sonal greatness, but Avhen he leaves me and I begin to 
analyze the whole matter, it conies to me, that I have 
been in the presence of something — well something that 
makes me want to be better to my fellow man. 

Zora He certainly is most unassumina", and you can't get him 

to sav a word about the world's trust. 

Holmes He didn't come here for business. I had to work it 
fine to get him here at all. (Pleadingly.) Come, now, 
sweetheart, tell me. Liebst du mich? 

Zora (Roguishlv.) Yah, ^Nfein Liebchen. 

Holmes (Folds Zora in his arms, whereupon the}^ remain, silent 
and concealed by the high back of the settee as the}' 
hear Agnes and Le jNIoyne approaching). 

9 



Agues and I.e Aloyne enter C. D., Agnes talking, Le Aloyne 

looking down into her eyes. 
Le AI. (Seats Ao'nes on the couch, R.) Rest awhile, Aliss Ger- 
ard. Yon lock fatigued. Allow me to get something 
to revive you. 
Agnes (Sits near R. end of couch, smiles wearily.) Thank you. 
no, Mr. Le Moyne, 1 am only w^eary with these empty 
conventionalities. 
Holmes (Aside to Zora.) That will make a hit with Le Ivloyne. 
Zora (Aside). Some one's been tr3dng to propose to her. 

Le M. I don't wonder, Miss Gerard, to one wdio has seen the 
pnthetic side of life, as you have in your settlement 
work, this vast display of wealth MUST act like a pall. 
There, now, Lve made my first break. 
Agnes (Points to a seat beside her on couch.) Not at all. T 
have been w.anting to hear you say something on these 
lines. 
Le ]\L (Seats himself, speaks seriously.) There is too much 
to be said, and (speaks lightl}^) we hobbyists, you know, 
are mighty talkers wdien we get started. Again I made 
up my mind to have the time of my life tonight (looks 
at Agnes • earnestl3^) Do you know, it seems as if we 
had met before. 
A^gnes (Smiling coquetishly) \n a previous incarnation perhaps. 
We may have passed each other when we were abroad. 
Mr. Holmes tells me that you were in India v.hen we 
were there. 
Le ]\L (Looks at her long and earnestly as if trying to recall 
a memory; speaks slowly.) But it seems — as if I had 
known — you — always. 
Holmes (Clears his throat to attract attention.) 

Le M. (Turns, looks at Holmes, comes down center slightly 
annoyed, speaks abruptly half amused.) Well! Wnat are 
you doing here? 
Holmes (Looks ciuizzic<'dly at Le jMoyne, then into Zora's eyes; 

says aside:) The same. 
Le M. (Turns apprehensively toward Agnes, is relieved to find 
she has gone to her desk; turns to Zora warningly.) Miss 
Zora, you don't know what you are getting on your 
hands. That boy never will grow' U]). 
Tiolmes Don't you believe him, dear; he's jealous. 
T,e M. (Laughs whole hcartedly at the absurlitv). 
Molmes Why aren't vou in the ball room dancing? 
Lc AL Don't you think Lve done my stunt? And what's more 
I have enjoyed my coming out immensely, (turns to 
Agnes). 
Holmes You've made good, keep it up. (Turns to Zora they con- 

^'erse.) 
Agnes (Goes up to writing desk as Lc ^M. goes down stage re- 
turns with folded paper which she has taken from desk 
and gives it to Le Moyne.) It is kind of you to say that 
you have really enjoyed vourself and in return ycui must 
permit me to make good. 1 had this prepared to mail 
before I learned that you were going to honor us, but 
I'll gi\e it to you now. 
Lc ^1. (Reavling) What's this^ An application for bonds in the 
world's trust? Splendid! 

10 



Holmes Oh, that's just a beginning. Wait 'til to-morrow, old 
man. You've made a hit all round to-niglit. 

Le M. Xow that will do, son. 

Holmes (Subsides comically.) 

Le M. (Looks at Agnes, admiringly but questioningly.) Let me 
ask, how much thought have you given to this matter? 

Agnes I have scarcely thought of anything else since the trust 
was organized. My work among the poor has taught 
me that charity, as w-e rich dispense it. only fos- 
ters the ills of humanity, it does not cure them, and I 
have so longed for a better way. 

Lc M. (Earnestly.) I understand j-ou. You have learned that 
the people do not want charity. They want a scpiare 
deal in this game of mone}^ getting, and the world's trusts 
are going to give it to them. But, jMiss Gerard, much 
as I appreciate your desire to do a great good to a great 
number, T must not accept your generous subscription 
without first knowing that , the investment meets with 
3'our guardian's approval. 

Agnes (Gently.) I am twenty-four years old, ]\Ir. Le ^Io3'ne, 
and sole mistress of my own fortune. 

Le M. Pardon me, but I understand that ]\lr. Forester is still 
vour legal adviser and representative? 

Agnes Yes. 

Lc M. And you HAVE consulted with him? 

Agnes (Hesitatingly). No. 

Le M. Do you know that the WaW Street Press writers have 
christened me the crank of the age, and that half the 
world believes it? 

x^gnes (Spiritedly). I know that all the great things of the 
world have been done in the face of the cry fanatic or 
crank. 

Le M. (*^iviles acknowledgment). But do j-ou realize that my 
acceptance of this bond subscription, at this date would 
cause our names to be linked together, and that we 
— oiild be written up by this same force as a pair of luna- 
tics? 

Agnes (Shrinkingly). Oh — I hadn't — thought of that. 

Le M. Now I am sure that you will understand why I must in- 
sist upon your keeping this document until Mr. Forester 
has investigated the securities. THEN, if satisfactory, 
we can arrange for a more regular proceeding. I thank 
you. Miss Gerard, but you see that it is better to wait. 
(Returns paper to Agnes.) 

Agnes Yes. (Takes paper to near desk, tosses it, it falls on the 
Hoor as she goes up stage.) 

Josephine appears at C. D.) Miss Agnes. ]\lrs. Tem])le sent me 
to tell you that the last dance was op and that most of 
the guests were leaving. (Exits R. ?> E.) 

Holmes (Rising from settee with Zora.) That means for us to 
make out get-away; come on Honey Mugs. 

Zora Oh, they are playing the Ostemle and 1 wanted to dance 

that. 
Holmes \Ve'n dance it as we go. (Puts his arm around Zora's 

waist.) 



Zora Bnt we need two more, Agnes, you and Alf. Le ]\ioyii(? 

join us! 

Le M. (Laughing.) It's a new one on me, but I'll try it if 
JMiss Gerard can stand it. 

Agnes (Gi\es him her hand and the quartette forms for tlie 
dance up stage, dancing toward the audience one hgure, 
the second hgure after turning, with which they make 
their exit. Agnes and Le Moyne are R. when facing au- 
dience.) 
(If recalled, finish the dance.) 

Jos. (re-enters from R. 3 E.) Thank goodness that ball was 

about over; everything was so grand. 1 neffer saw so 
much money in jewels and gowns. How do they get 
so much money? Dere vas enough here to house and 
feed all de poor of New York. Und dere was so many 
hungry ones here. Dot's what make Miss Agnes unhapDy, 
und slie don't like her aunt to gif dot ball to dem rich 
peoples. (Arranges furniture. Picks up paper from the 
floor.) I wonder if dot vas any goot? (Reads) Mr. 
Daniel Le Aloyne, Alin-er-al Point. Colorado. Esteemed 
Sir. I desire to make application for fifty million dol- 
lars' worth of bonds in the world's trust. (Places paper 
on desk.) I guess she want to keep dot. (Crosses down 
left and leans on back of settee) Well noon my word, 
after all dot care her father took to gif her all deni 
stocks and bonds and properties before he die, so as the 
world would not know how much money he leave his 
only child, und now she thinks no more of giving dot 
money than she would to bu}^ a pair of shoes. Well if 
dem trusts was like what Mr. Holmes say, dey was good 
for cverybodys. 

Henry Sprach enters R. 3 E., stumbles on rug.) 

.Jos (Rushes to straighten rug.) Well, upon my word: Can't 

you do nodings mitout kicking de furniture all to pieces? 

Henry When I look of you, Josephine, I falls all over mit my- 
self, my heart vas so full of love for 3^ou. 

Jos. Go long mit your nonsense. An ole man ninety-two years 

old to be talking of love. (Asid.e) He might better be 
speaking for something nice in heaven. 

Henry H I don't talk it how could you know. I haf waited 
for you forty-eighty years, Josephine, ever since you was 
a leetle baby in the vater land, when I trotted you on 
top of my knee. I was going to marry your mother. 

Jos. You was! 

Henry Yah. But she didn't was know dot. Und she went und 
married your fadder. Und when 3'ou come. I speak mit 
myself, I would w-ait for you. 

Jos. Veil you was de prize waiter I must say. (Comes down 

left close to Henry) Und you was old enough to be 
my grand father. 

Henry Oh, dot makes no neffer mind. Der heart vas always 
young when it lofes. (Look's kiddish) und you haf dot 
look in your eyes, what makes me feel just like one lit- 
tle kit. (Chucks her in the side with his thimib; winks 
kicks up his heels comically, then suddenly clutches at 
his back) Ach! Gott! dem rheumatics! 

12 



Jos. (Going to fire place.) Ah, dot's the way I look of every- 

body. 

Henry Yah, I know dot. Jo.sephinc, please don't dance mit 
dot young mans' no more. When I see him mit his arm 
around your waist my heart went down just like one 
lump of lead. 

Jos. (Stirring logs on fire.) Dot was de turnips what you eat 

for dinner. 

Henry Xo, Josephine, it was my lofe for you. Und I no want 
to go bick to my farm mitont 3'ou. If a^ou marry me T 
puild me a nice pig house und gif you effery dings what 
you want. 

Jos. But I get every dings A^hat T want already once und 

more money den you could ever make. I had been mit der 
faniily twent3'-fife years, ever since we canie to this 
countr}' mit our wooden shoes on, Ach ! I 'vvas dot 
clumsey, und Miss Agnes' mudder was dot patient und 
kind mit me, und when she die, when ]\liss Agnes was 
a little baby, she make her sister, ]\frs. Temple, and me 
' promise to always care for her little girl. (Rises and 
arranges pillows on couch.) und Miss Agnes was just 
like mv own schild. 

Henry Yah. What for you send for me to stay mit der house 
when vou was gone away? 

Jos. To take care mit it of course. 

Henry Und now 3^ou haf come back you no want no caretaker 
any more, und pretty quick already once your young 
lady she get married, den you haf nobody. 

Jos. (Leans on arm of couch.) Xo, Agnes will neftcr marry. 

She lofed once. Oh, My, how she lofed dot young man! 
.£'he have dot deep love nature dot she almost die when 
she found dot he vas no goot. 

Henry How vas dot? 

Jos. He ruined a nice young girl, then deserted her to marry 

Miss Agnes for her money. 

Henry He was one scoundrel. 

Jos. Yah, I know dot. But ]\Iis? Agnes got him to marry the 

girl because it was best, then we was abroad for five 
years. Miss Agnes 3vas dot restless we was on de go 
all the time for tvvo years, den she forgot all about dot 
man when she got to studying dem ancient religions in 
India, und now she sees dings just like dem prophets 
what we read about in der bibles (Impressively) und 
'dc}^ come true! efifer time. 

Henry So? 

Jos. Yah. Long before dem world's trusts was organized she 

tell us her father come to her in her dreams and fore- 
tole her all about it. Dot was why she come back to 
X'^ew York, cause the love what she once had for the 
young mans ent out in one great big love for everybody. 
Und now she was so glad about dose World's Trusts. 

Henry I don't take no stock in dem World's Trusts. Dem big 
fellows get away mit der whole business anyhow. 

Tos Dey can't get away mit it. Dem big money fellows only 

get interest on the bonds, just like der banks gif. Sh- 
she comes. Go along mit yourself und look sharp after 
de house. 

13 



Henry (Turns at door R. :> E. looks sill\- at Josephine) Jose- 
phine, don't you forgot what 1 speak mit 30U. Ch-(,Re- 
peats business. Exits R. 3 E.) 

Jo3. (Shakes with laughter) Well upon my ^vord. \\'hen 

will a mans effer get over such nonsense. Putty (juick 
he will need a rattle bo.x, he will get so schildi^h. 

Agnes (Enters C. D., removing gloves; goes to desk, inserts 
bond application in envelope, stands thoughtfully, sighs) 
You can prepare the coucli, Josephine, 1 shall rest here 
before retiring. I'm so tired. 

Jos. (Speaking at she exits R. ;; E.) Poor schild, she don't 

enjoy dot ball. 

Agnes (comes down to lire place, has bond subscription in her 
hand.) What a general he must be to have massed his 
forces so cjuietly; that's just the way papa used to do. 
I'm sure 1 cannot make a mistake. (Looks at oil paint- 
ing of her father over mantel.) Father, dear, you have 
never failed to tell me right. You said this would come 
and succeed, (aside) Beside, Islr. Le jMoyne's business 
abilit}^ is unquestioned, and he has proved to the social 
world tonight that he is one with us, and I know, that he 
is one with all. How his earnestness thrilled me. — Pshaw, 
Agnes Gerard. You are not going to center 3'our afifec- 
tions again — after the thousand deaths you suffered in 
conquermg that old love? — and that — was a ciiild's love, 
— but now — no, no, (goes to front of couch) I'm mad to 
think of it.— His whole soul is in HIS WORK. And 1— 
could — not LIVE, with a love for him — unrequited. Sighs) 
Removes pearls from hair). 

Jos. (Returns with white lacy pillow', silken coverlet and hand- 

some white negligee. She lays them on the couch and 
assists Agnes to remove jewels and unfastens her gown. 

Agnes (Leaves bond subscription on head of couch.) (Goes 
up behind the screen and changes ball dress for 
negligee, while Josephine prepares the couch. Comes 
down to couch and as Jos. covers her says:) Remove the 
screen, Josephine, 1 want tlie air. 

Jos. (Places screen near right upper corner, stirs the fire in 

grate, which blazes up afresh; she then takes ball dress, 
pearls, etc., and turns to Agnes) Ls there anything more. 
Miss Agnes? 

Agnes Xo, thank you. niu'sie dear, turn off the lights as you 
go, and rest yourself, I'll ring when Lm read}- to retire. 

Jos. (Exits R. 'A E., carrN'ing gown and jewels, etc.) 

Lights are lowered.) 

Music. (Pianissimo until curtain). 

Agnes (Studies envelope which she retains in her hand. Sighs. 
S])eaks pra^'erfulh', as she glances up at her father's pic- 
ture). I'^ather. dear, come to me again, and show me 
more of the future. (Soon her eyelids droop, then gradu- 
ally close in sleep.) 

:\IUS1C. CURTALX. 



14 



ACT I. 

Alagniticently appointed office setting. Doors R. and L. in llat. 
Set massively carved tire place with large tireless open grate below 
and high mantel, above which is a large mirror. Bronze figures 
are on the mantel. Fire place is R. 2 E. A ventilator is seen in 
the wall about six feet trom floor R. ?> E. Massive mahogan}- 
table about 4 by 8 ft., is set center on a line with R. 2 K. h'ive 
ahndsomely carved easy chairs are set around table. One at each 
end, two wide apart at rear facmg audience, an^l one in center in 
front of table with back to audience. Pencil and writing material 
are on table also a heavy bronzed paper weight is placed on left 
end of table. A desk is set at left of left door in fiat, with phone 
on desk, lypewriting desk with typewriter is set down L. 2 K. 
Chair L. 3 E. Chair between the two doors in flat and one at each 
desk L. H. Overcoats and hats are seen on chairs at rise, or on 
hat rack. 

The five directores of the Consolidated American Mining As- 
sociation are discovered. Brainard, the president, sits at the left 
end of the table toying with a heavy bronze paper weight. Es look- 
ing expectantly at Armstrong who sits at opposite end of table in 
a reposeful but attentive position; he is facmg the audience with 
his arm resting on the arm of the chair nearest to the table, his 
legs crossed. Eellheimer, a reflned Jew sits at rear of table left. 
has large pocket memorandum in which he is jotting minutes of 
the meeting. Eindell, the Vice-President, sits at rear of table R. 
facing audience. Stillwell sits in front of table with his back to 
audience. 

All (Are looking expectantly at Armstrong.) 

Bra. It's up to you, Armstrong, wnat have you to offer? 

Arm. (Speaks rapidly as if to emphasize the value of time, but 

his enunciation must be clear and distinct throughout.) 
1 w^ould advise that we seek an interview with the head 
of the world's trusts and arrange to merge our various 
enterprises with theirs if possible, then get out whole. 
Bra. (Contemptuously) Ihe white leather, en, betore we've 

thought them significant enough to notice (Straightens 
himself around to table tigerishly.) 
Arm. (Calmly) You asked my opinion, I have given it to 

you. 
Bra. And do 3'ou suppose, for one instance that it is neces- 

sary to consult with these fanatics? 
Arm. You are mistaken, Brainard, these people are no more 

fanatics than wc are. The wdiole force is made up of 
business men of acknowledged ability. 
Ih-a. (Slurringly) Bankrupts and broken down merchants. 

Arm. Do you call Ee ?do3'ne, who is backing these enterprises, 

with his nine hundred and sixty millions, his hard earned 
experience and his inherited ability, a bankrupt? Gentle- 
men, we can't afford to ignore these trusts. There ARE 
some bankrupts in them, but no one knows better than 
we, how, their enterprises became bankrupt, but you can 
rest assured that the process has sharpened their wits. 
We have proved that by the transactions we are con- 
tinually running up against. 
Bra. (Assertively) You know this man Ee Aloync? 

15 



Arm. Ko. But we all knew his father good and plenty, and wc 

are likely to know the son still better. He's a positive 
genius in managing large enterprises. 

Bra. But he starved when thrown upon his own resources. 

Arm. Yes, he starved, because he refused to work oir system 

upon the people, but he's working it on us all right, v/ith 
every evidence of the early training which his father gave 
him, while at the same time, lie has incorporated in the 
series of world's trusts, not only a sound business prin- 
ciple, but a feeling of fraternalism that is a true, Christian 
virtue, not to be sneered at. 

Bra. (Loftily) Ph— 

Arm. (Disgustedly) You can be as scornful as you like, but 

don't lose sight, of this one point. That while here-to- 
fore we have held the reins, we have depended upon the 
pe ople to pull the loid for us, and that now. their labor 
and patronage turned into their own enterprises means 
eventualh^ our total collaose. 

Bra. (Impudently) What's your scheme? 

Arm. I have said: ^.lerge with them if possible and get our 

money out before it is too late. 

Bra. (Tigerishly). No! We'll fight it out! and rest assured we'll 

make quick work of it. 

Still. (Conscilliatingly) How do you propose to fight it? 

Bra. I'm not prepared to state. But we certainly arc not fools 

enough to surrender our power after our experience. 

Arm. Yeg but we have been working on a line of little or no 

resistance. Now we have organised forces to contend 
with, and these people are ail with Le Moyne heart and 
soul. 

Bra. To HELL with the people. They are a lot of cattle. 

They ought to be eating grass instead of beefsteak. 

Fellh. (Speaks warily with slight Jewish accent). Have a care, 
Brainard. Remember the result of a similar remark. 

Bra. (Indifferently.) That was France. But here we have 

a lot of cows to deal with so long as they have a cud 
to chew, they'll come up regularly to be milked. 

Arm. But there's a limit to even their endurance, and there's 

been too much agitation of late for them to stand for 
our work much longer. 

Bra. There'd be no agitation if it weren't for tliat twaddle of 

freedom of speech. 

Arm. (rising) Freedom of speech has made this country what 

it is. (Speaks v/ith patriotic fervor as he rises excitedly, 
and paces the floor R. Turns to Brainard.) And we, of 
all privileged ones, have the least cause to complain. 

Fell. Come, come, gentlemen, we are way off from the first 
proposition. We must come to some understanding in 
regard to the course to pursue tomorrow. (Reads from 
memorandum) First we are to arrange to pool with the 
Farnham interests; and before the opening of the board 
in the morning we must raise a further sum of money to 
hold the market firm on Con. American .Stocks, and run 
the price up as we have decided. 

Arm. (Has returned to his seat at Fellheimcr's call to order.) 

I, for one, decline to put up any more securities. 

16 



Bra. T thought so. 

Fell. What's the difference? we can make up all our losses, in 

the advance of food stuffs alone. 
Arm. (Wearil^O I'm glutted with this game of dog eat dog; 

I'm tired of bleeding the people. If there's no other method 
of meeting this new opposition, you can count me out. 
Bra. (Enrag^ed) Coward! I charge j-'ou with treason! 

Arm. (Springs to his feet; his hands clinch nervously.) Coward 

1 may be for joining in such dastardly 'deeds as we 
have put through, with our Benedict Arnolds in W'asli- 
ington, but it ill becomes you, George Brainard, to charge 
any one with treason. 
Era. (Threateningly) What do you mean? 

Arm. I mean that you are a traitor to your country and to 

humanity! 
All Spring to their feet. 

Bra. (Kurls bronze paper weight at Armstrong's head; Armstrong 

dodges it. Weight crashes into mantel mirror which falls 
to the floor shattered, papers drop from Armstrong's 
pocket and fall under the edge of the table as he makes 
a dash for Brainard. Stillwill steps in between; is hurled 
around by Armstrong and flung down on his seat in the 
center of broken glass. Armstrong then strikes at Brain- 
ard in pugilistic manner; Brainard parries and with & 
quick bear-like hug, pinions Armstrong's arms just as 
he was about to make an upward pass, he then tries, like 
an old-time wrestler, to throw Armstrong. They struggle. 
Armstrong succeeds in working his hand up to Brainard's 
throat; he shakes him by the neck until Brainard, winded, 
relaxes his hold, whereupon Armstrong throws him down 
in his chair to recover for another bout. 
Fellheimer and Lindell who in the meantime have been 
trying to separate the combatants now succeed with ar- 
rruments in keeping them apart; Fellheimer pacifying 
Brainard; Lindell arguing with Armstrong. Lindell, with 
a covert smile, points to Stillwill who, fearing to move, 
has remained seated on the broken glass. Armstrong 
suppresses a smile as he catches Lindell's eye and to- 
f;ether they assist Stillwill to rise. 
Arm. (Disgustedly) Enough of this gentlemen, you have my 

ultimatum; what do, you propose? 
Bra. (Quickly) We'll buy your stock NOW, what do you 

want for it. 
Arm. The market price when I GET READY TO OFFER IT. 

Bra. You want to break the market with it! 

Arm. I have no such intention. 

Bra. If you have, I'll prove to you what can be done, and if 

you want to join forces with our ((Sneeringly) com- 
petitors, WE'LL MEASURE W^ITS. 
Arm. (Wearily) I have no plans whatever. 

Bra. Perhaps not. But Forester and company have approved 

of Miss Gerard's investment in the new Trusts and they 
have now in their possession a ten million dollar sub- 
scription for its bonds from a person, who, for reasons, 
does not care to be known as the principal. 
Arm. Well, what has that to do with me? 

17 



Bra. You were known to have been closeted with Forester 

during the busy part of the day. It's no difficult matter 
for me to determine who that secret principal is. 

Arm. Oh, — I see now, the cause of your grouch. (Studies 

Brainard in silence.) 

Fell. (After a pause.) Speak Armstrong. 

Arm. (Disgustedly, Turns to other directors.) Do y©u be- 

lieve me guilty of such double dealing? 

All NO! 

Arm. Then I will answer you. I know nothing whatever of 

the transaction. But I do know, that subscriptions for 
bonds and applications for membership in these various 
enterprises- are pouring into their New York oftices from 
everv quarter since Forester's endorsement of his ward's 
investment. And I can tell you right now, if you in- 
tend to keep up the. price of this stock, you'll buy every 
share outstanding. 

Bra. Perhaps. 

Arm. (Ignoring Brainard.) So far as I'm concerned, this con- 

ference is at an end. (Takes document from coat pocket, 
hands to Fellheimer.) I herewith tender my resigna- 
tion and desire to sever all connection with the company 
at once. I wait for your acceptance. 

Bra. Wc can take a vote on it at once. 

Lind. Gentlemen, don't act hastily. 

Arm. I'm not. I've been contemplating withdrawal for some 

time and now is as good as any other old time. 

Fell. I suppose you are determined on this point? 

Arm. (Nods assent.) 

Fell. Then I move we accept the resignation. 

Still. (Acridly.) I second the motion. 

All (Supress a smile.) 

Fell. Moved and seconded. Ayes? (S'ilence) No's? 

Lind. No. 

Fell. The Ayes have it. (To Armstrong) Your resignation is 

accepted. I will dictate the answer later. I regret this 
move, Armstrong. 

Lind. I'm sure that voices the real sentiments of the ma- 

jority. 

Arm. Thank you gentlemen. I confess, old associations have 

their hold upon me, but I must say: I feel the load al- 
ready lifting. (Takes coat and hat from chair as he 
speaks and exits right door in flat saying.) I bid you 
all good bye. 

All (Bow coldly as they resume their seats.) 

Still. (Sits cautiously, partly rises and slyly brushes his pants, 

then sits carefully.) 

All .(Exchange glances.) 

Fell. (Turns to Lindell.) Lindell, we haven't heard a word 

from you: Haven't you anything to say? 

Lind. (Deliberately.) I don't feel easy over this situation, and 

I must say, Brainard, I'm amazed at your loss of self- 
control. Competition of the people is making a changed 
man of you. 

Bra. All your imagination, Lindell. 

Lind. (Adjusts eyeglasses and looks over them at Brainard. 

18 



speaks dryly.) Likely. Now, aside from my own opin- 
ion, I saw fit to have this matter looked up and I got 
a special report. 
All (Express new interest.) 

Lind. (Takes paper from his pocket as he talks) I have found 

that this man Le Moyne, is an intrepid, determined leader 
of men; tenacious of purpose and absolutely loyal to 
the cause he represents. He possesses a wonderful ca- 
pacity for massing forces quietly and quickly, and his 
generalship is marvelous. 
Bra. If he has such extraordinary ability why didn't he come 

to the front before? 
Lind. It is said that he could not tolerate our system as it was 

being preverted to selfish use, so when he was thrown 
upon his own resources he turned his attention to the 
study of economics to find a remedy. 
Bra. He's an out and out socialist. 

Lind. No. The socialists criticize him because he makes the 

dollar the basis of his reform instead of the ballot. (Looks 
at paper.) This report will interest you: Shall I con- 
tinue. 
Bra. Yes, of course. Give us all there is of it. 

Lind. I have told you most of it; I'll just read the rest; (Turns 

a page or two. Reads.) During his researches he strug- 
gled in poverty totally ignoring the fact of his father's 
great riches. Then a call came to him to become man- 
aging editor of a journal in Colorado, whose owner was 
on the verge of bankruptcy. His pay was a partnership 
contract, and through his change of policy and business 
management, the journal has now become one of the 
leading dailies of the middle west, and an official organ 
of the AVorld's Trusts. 
Bra. It is a libelous sheet. 

Lind. (Dryly) Wi^'ve tried hard enough to prove it. Listen to 

this: (Reads) Co-operative buying and selling in various 
localities formed on the plan of the well known Rochdale 
system were among the fiirst evolutions that led up to 
the forming of the world's trusts, but through the lim- 
ited progress of these organizations, Le Moj^ne saw that 
a more aggressive and modernized method must be put 
into effect in order to compete successfully with the 
-^resent day combines, so long before actual organization 
he had bonded a vast amount of territory and business 
properties, consolidated enterprisQS here and abroad and 
through such means had interested capital and hired all 
the money the oeople wanted at the cheapest rates. He 
works systematically through secret assistants and through 
a brotherhood of humanitarians known to be possessed 
of immense wealth. He has been especially active in the 
stock market. (Speaks.) I have noticed a new set <>t 
brokers on the floo' for some time past. And that re- 
minds me: The shorts are loaded up with orders for 
tomorrow, so we ca*« look for another hard day. 
Bra. They'll not break & ^ market any further, I'll guaran- 

tee you. Where did you get that calamity report, from 
Becket? 

19 



Lind. No. But from a source equally reliable. 

Fell. You are mistaken about those new brokers, Lindell. Some 

of them bought for Arrowsmith and Company. Mid 
Continent was absorbed by them at 23^ decline. 
Lind. That was a blind. It went to the new combines. Since 

his father's death, Le Moyne has not only inherited ample 
funds of his own for operation, but he and all those dif- 
ferent trusts are backed by that secret brotherhood to 
an unlimited extent. You'd be surprised to learn of some 
of the largest business houses that have merged with 
them on the quiet while still retaining their firm names. 
The man is an to all our tricks in that line. 
Fell. (To Brainard.) How do you suppose Mid Continent 

came to be thrown upon the market? 
Bra. It was held as collateral and was sold to cover. 

Lind. You can ignore this report all you choose, but the fact 

remains that since the publication of Miss Gerard's bond 
subscriotion in the world's trusts, the street is strewn 
with wreckage, and the pressure on bonds has com- 
menced. I tell you, gentlemen, this is a forewarning, 
and I am of Armstrong's opinion that we have every 
reason to fear since the people have waked up from their 
political dreams and gotten down to business on our 
lines. And unless we can make some decisive move to 
anticipate this new opposition, I feel like saying you can 
count me out also. 
Bra. I have a decisive move already planned; in fact I have 

several widely different plans. 
All (Look expectantly.) 

Bra. If we fail to dov/n these upstart organizations — v/hich 

I'm sure we will not, but assuming for instance that v/e 
should, we'll block their game by giving the people the 
government ownership they've been howling »\bout so 
long, while through government guaranteed contracts we 
shall absorb the profits just as we do now. Only we 
shall have this advantage: ANY STRIKE AGAINST 
THE GOVERNMENT BY ITS EMPLOYES WILL BE 
A REBELLION AND THE STRIKERS WILL BE 
DEALT WITH ACCORDINGLY. They had a taste 
of that when they interfered with the running of the mail 
cars in '94. 
Lind. That means virtually to rule the people by force of arms, 

whereas our points are now gained by strategy. 
Bra. It means that our watered stock will turn into gold. 

Lind. Yes, if we continue to control the votes. But now as 

Armstrong says: Wc no longer have a scattered force 
to 'deal with, but an organization stronger than our 
own throueh its force of numbers, and with plenty of 
new stuff to send to Washington. 
Bra. They can't beat us. The next campaign is too close at 

hand and the people are' about as able to cope with Gov- 
ernment ownership on political lines as a Texas steer 
is to run a railroad train. 
Lind. What if the plan doesn't stick? 

Bra. We'll divert the minds of the people by another war! 

Lind. W:HAT— WITH? 

20 



Bra. (Shrugs his shoulders. Pause.) Dissolution is in order, 

we'll dissolve the striking unions. 
Lind. The Czar of Russia wouldn't dare so much. 

Bra. The Czar of Russia hasn't the power that we have. 

Fell. Why not, Lindell? Striking Unions are as unreason- 

able in their restraint of trade as combination of capital. 
All we would have to do would be to hire half to shoot 
the other half. BRAINARD'S PLANS ARE NOT SO 
FAR BEYOND THE MAGNITUDE OF MANY WE 
HAVE PUT THROUGH. The only opposition that v/e 
would have to fear would be in the event of Armstrong 
taking a hand against us. He's no dead one by any 
means, and he can't be beat on the exchange. 
Bra. Don't let that trouble you Fellheimer. 

Lind. What's your other scheme? 

Bra. (Mockingly.) We'll compete with these great brother- 

hood of m.an trusts, and let the dear people in with us. 
All (Laugh). 

Lind. Will you walk into my parlor says the spider to the fly. 

Honest now, Brainard, what's happened to you? 
Fell. (Looks at watch.) Well this is all for a future consid- 

eration. Let's come down to the present. How about the 
market tomorrow. 
Bra. We got the stock at .34 and I guess we can afford to 

hold it firm at 147. 
Fell. And the money? 

Bra. I have arranged with Godly for a hundred million, there's 

no stringency in the money market; there's too much 
money. 
Lind. (Laughing.) Yes of the kind. It doesn't smack of the 

John Law Period, does it? 
Fell. Say, Lindell, you and Armstrong ought to join the so- 

cialists and divy. 
Lind. Not me. 

Fell. (To Brainard.) How about the pool? 

Bra. I'll see to that tonight. We are not the only ones caught 

by that girl s stock being thrown on the market. We 
could have gotten 1.50 but for that. 
Fell. 0-ooking at watch.) Any thing further? (Silence.) I 

move we adjourn. 
S'till. I second the motion. 

Fell. Moved and seconded. Ayes? (Silence) No's? (Silence) 

All right everybody. (Puts memorandum of meeting in 
pocket, rises, gets overcoat and hat from chair. 
All rise and put on overcoats and hats.) 

Lind. (Turns to Brainard as he exits Left door in flat.) I 

never saw you so rabid before, Brainard, you need to 
get some sleep. 
Bra. I know it, (Pulls on coat. Offers Fellheimer cigar from 

case.) 
Still. (Exits following Lindell.) Good evening gentlemen. 

Fell. (Takes cigar, gives Brainard light from match first.) Well 

Brainard, we had our pit all dug, but it seems that we 
are in it ourselves. (Lights his own cigar.) 
Bra. (Going to phone.) We'll get out of it all right. (Takes 

phone.) Cort. E596. (To Fellheimer.) I shall put a 

21 



special detective on Armstrong right away. I'll not lose 
sight of a single move. (Through phone.) Hello! Is 
that you, Becket? — Send a plain clothes man to me right 

away. No, a new man. Yes in my private office. I'll 

wait 'til he comes over. 
Fell. Can you meet me at 9:30? 

Bra. No, I have an engagement with Senator Garrick at that 

time. (Exits L. D. in flat, followed by Fcllheimcr. 
Mustapha Mohammet Delamar enters L. D. in flat, lazily dragging 
his feet and singing a doleful plantation melody "Red 
River" — has broom, dust pan and duster. Drops first 
one then the other, as he picks up brush he sees a yellow 
bank note on the floor. He drops everything and stops 
singing, stands erect and puts foot on m.oney, looks around 
suspiciously then snatches money from the floor.) Twen- 
ty dollahs! I lowed I didn't get dat hunch fo' nuffin 
when I fell asleep dis fo' noon. Mustapha Mohammet 
Delamar! Dis am yo' lucky day. (Sits at upper left hand 
corner of the table takes paper and pencil). I reckon I'll 
figger about dat. I takes de figgers right heah on dis 
}■_ bill fo luck. Dar's 1, 2, 3. 9, 0, 8, den I takes 2, 4. 5, 6, 

■•--i 7, 3. Now dat makes twelve figgers. (Looks admiringly 

at his work.) Now dis am de policy shop. I saddles an 
I spiders and I gigs. I shore win a right smart 'case 
I'se got all de figgers dey is. No mo work fo dis niggah. 
(Proudly waves the money in his left hand.) Twenty 
dollahs! I blows de whole business. 

Still. (Re-enters at no mo work fo dis nigger, looking for 

money, sees it in Mustapha's hand, takes it.) Thank 
you boy, that's just what I was looking for. Here's 
a .reward for your honesty. (gives Musijapha money. 
Exits L. D. in flat.) 

Mus. (Crestfallen looks at money contemptuously.) Fi' cents 

fo yo honesty. (Angrily throws money at closed door 
and shouts) Heah yo ole skinflint, keep dat to buy yo- 
sef a sandwich. Fi cents fo yo honesty! (Takes duster 
and beats seat of chair in which S'tillwill sat, then kicks 
at the seat suggestively.) Fi' cents fo' yo' honesty 
(sees broken glass.) Fo' de Lawd! Dey am been 
something doin' heah shu. (Goes up R. Near ventilator, 
looks sorowfully at debris). Mo' work fo' dis niggah. 
Rcade speaks through ventilator.) Mustapha. 

Yaasm. (Turns, scratches his head). I tought dat was 

Missie Reade right heah. 

(Repeats). Mustapha. 

Yaass. (Turns frightened.) Whar yo' at? (Trembles, 

drops broom, etc. ) Dis place am hanted. Dat was her 

sperrit. She's daid. (Rushes to door, R.) 

(Meets Mustapha at the door R.) Mustapha. 

Wa wa w^a wa dat you callin me jes now? 

Yes. 

(Pointing.) Wa wa wa wa yo standin right dar. 

Did it sound that way? (Laughing.) 

It shore did. An yo all ain't daid? 

Of course not. 

22 



Mrs. 


R< 


Mus. 




Mrs. 


R. 


Mus. 




Mrs. 


R. 


Mus. 




Mrs. 


R. 


Mus. 




Mrs. 


R. 


Mus. 




Mrs. 


R. 



Mrs. 


R. 


Mus. 




Mrs. 


R. 


Mus. 




Mrs. 


R, 


Mus. 




Mrs. 


R 


Mus. 




Mrs. 


R. 



Mus. (Doubtingly.) If yo all ain't daid, jes say what dat is. 

(Shows nickel which he has picked up from the floor.) 
Why it's five cents. 

(Reassured) Yo shore ain't daid. I got dat fi cens fo 
my honesty. 

Oh, I see. A tip. (Laughing.) who gave it to you? 
Skinflint. 

(Laughing.) It looks like him. Sees broken glass.) 
What's all this? 

Looks kind o like a rough house, Missie Reade. 
You can leave this til the last. Get through in the 
other offices, then have Virgil come and help you. Be 
as cuick as possible. 

Yaasm. (Lazily picks up broom, etc., slouches out through 
door R. saying.) Fi cents fo yo honesty. 
(Laughing.) Commend me to a way down south darkie 
for speed. Mustapha was shore scared by my transmit- 
taphone. (Comes down to grate, turns cautiously as she 
detaches from chimney a phonographic record receiver.) 
Now then, George Brainard I'll see what MY detective 
has to say about YOU! All's fair in love and war, and 
this is WAR. (Covering falls from her head as she holds 
instrument tragically.) Were I to repeat what my 
electrophones have told me, my words would be 
looked upon as the ravings of a crazy old woman, but 
this is corroborative evidence of their plotting that is 
irrefutable. (Secrets record in gown as Armstrong ap- 
pears.) 

Arm. (Enters R. D, in flat.) Good evening, m.adam. I must 

have dropped some papers in here. (Discovers them un- 
der edge of table.) Ah, here they are. (Starts to go.) 

Mrs. R. (Crosses L.) One moment, Mr. Armstrong, You have 
withdrawn from the Con. American. 

Arm. (Resentfully.) Why, yes, Mrs. Reade, but you can see 

for yourself that these papers are mine. My name is 
on the envelope. (.S'hows papers.) 

Mrs. R. (Stops him with a motion of her hand.) You misunder- 
stand me, I merely wanted to be of service to you. 
You? 

Yes, I. Only the superintendent of the building, whom 
no one has recognized in all these fifteen years of my 
service here. 

Have I ever met you in any other position? 
Yes, many years ago when I, the daughter of a once 
proud senator reigned a belle in Washington society. 
(Looks at her closely.) ivlyra Robson? I know you now, 
and I remember your marriage to that brilliant railroad 
financier — 

(Interrupting.) Who was ruined by this same George 
Brainard's manipulation of stocks and finance, and who 
later died, leaving a wife and child to face the bitternesi 
of want and starvation. (Bitterly.) My child died for 
lack of nourishment; they found me holding it close to 
my breast; my mind a blank; my hair turned white as 
snow; and today, if remembered at all, I am supposed 
to be wearing out my life in an insane asylum, 

23 



Arm. 




Mrs. 


R. 


Arm. 




Mrs. 


R 


Arm. 




^Irs. 


R 



Arm. And to think that I have passed you almost daily with- 

out recognizing you. 

Mrs. R. My white hair not only proved an efTectual disguise but 
it has helped me to accumulate a fortune as vast as 
Brainard's and some day you'll hear of me in Washing- 
ton society again. 

Arm. But tell me, whv have you remained here so long if you 

are rich? 

Mrs. R. It was necessary for the accomplishment of my object. 

Arm. And that, do you mind telling me? It will go no further. 

Mrs. R. In the beginning to avenge the wrong done to my poor 
husband, but a greater power is now avenging him and 
I want to live to feel that the world is being bettered for 
my being in it, and while at times I am qualmish about 
my work, I feel that the end I now have in view justifies 
the means. 

Tvlus. (Enters L. D. in Hat, has card.) Missie Reade, dey is a 

gemman in de odder room what wants to see de direc- 
tors. I tole him dey is all done gone and went but Mr. 
Armstrong and he say take dis card in to him. 

Arm. (Takes card, reads aloud.) Daniel I,e !Moyne. General 

Director of the World's Trusts. This is great. 

Mrs. R. (Going up to door left.) I'll leave you alone to talk to 
him Mr. Armstrong and I'll see you again. 

Arm. Thanks, Mrs. Reade. Show him in Mustapha. 

Mrs. R. (Exits after Mustapha, holding the door open for Le 
Moyne who enters door L., removing his hat as he passes 
Mrs. Reade. 

Arm. (Meets Le Moyne cordially with extended hand.) I'm 

delighted to meet you Mr. Le Moyne. 

Le M. The pleasure is mutual I assure you, but I must to busi- 
ness at once as I am compelled to return to Colorado 
tonight and my time is limited. I was told that I would 
find all your directors here. 

Arm. In the language of Mustapha Mohammet, dey is all done 

gone and went but me and I am no longer a director. 

Le M. How is that? I thought that you were one of the lead- 
ing spirits in the Con. American. 

Arm. So I was up 'til today. (Points to broken mirror.) But 

you see a change has come o'er the spirit of our dreams. 
We no longer maintain that calm and undisturbed re- 
pose, (laughinr^ suggestively.) and you are the disturb- 
ing element. I'll let the mirror tell you the story. 

Le M. (Laughing.) Since you have said that much it speaks 
volumes. 

Arm. I wasn't quite decapitated, but the act finished with a 

complete separation of interests. 

Le M. Director or not, I know that you alone will be able to 
help us stay the ruin of this unexpected panic. 

Arm. You don't mean to tell me that you have lost! 

Le M. Lost! No! Our brokers have gathered in properties which 
we did not expect to acquire without a prolonged strug- 
gle, and we are ready for everything that drops to our 
prices tomorrow, but the havoc among the small dealers 
is appalling, and while 1 must do justice to those who 

24 



trust to me, I feel that justice does not call for this sac- 
rilice. 

Arm. Rest easy on that point. The big dealers have been 

harder hit than the small ones, and they can't afford to 
let the market break further just now. But Mr. Le 
Moyne, when you have seen as many of life's tragadies 
as 1 have in Wall Street in the past twenty years, these 
little flurries will cease to affect you. 

Le M. Never! 

Arm. Ah, but listen. With but rare exceptions, greed is the 

ruling passion with all humanity in some form of other. 
And the one who stakes his money on stocks knows, if 
he knows any thing at all, that he stands to win or lose, 
and he forfeits all right to complain. 

Le M. Yes, of course, in a square deal; but what possible chance 
does he stand in this game? There IS redress with a 
gambler who is caught tricking at cards. Lie's made to 
return his spoils and is branded as unfit to mingle with 
his kind. But the gambler v/ho tricks in high finance re- 
turns nothing. Justice is blinded by the glitter of his 
wealth and he passes through courts unscotched. 

Arm. Right you are. But I m.ust give you a friendly warning. 

These men have made money out of nothing too long to 
surrender their power without a bitter struggle. It will 
be like snatching the prey from a hungry lion. 

Le M. I realized that fully before I went into this enterprise, 
so I figured out the quickest way to outmatch them. It 
isn't scientific socialism that I am working, but all the 
same the people are now bound together with but one 
interest, MONEY, and as a result they are going to 
vote solid for that money. 

Arm. The strongest point in your favor. 

Le M. A point through which we are going to win. The hu- 
manizing effort will follow as a natural sequence. 

Arm. It's great. I saw your ultimate object from the begin- 

ning, but you should have an official journal here in New 
York to keep the world informed. 

Le M. I have secured the Searchlight. 

Arm. The Searchlight! SAY! 

Le M. Well? 

Arm. The largest circulating daily in the world. And the pat- 

ent insides it sends out full of information, why it's even 
translated in foreign countries. I guess you'll do. (Laughs) 
We have tried to buy it time and again. How did you 
make it? 

Le M. It was owned by an order to which I belong. (Looks at 
at watch). Now then to business. You say that you are 
no longer connected with the Con. American? 

Arm. I am absolutely free. 

Le M. It is my duty to engage the best talent and genius that 
the world aft'ords. If you will consider a proposition to 
direct the brokers here, I will formulate one. 

Arm. Nothing would suit me better; I am with you heart and 

soul. My office is just across the hall, let us go and talk 
it over. (Leads the way to R. H. D. in flat, partly opens 
the door.) 

25 



Le M. (Following). Good. I can put in an hour with you. 
Bra. (Enters L. D. in flat followed by a plain clothes man 

wearing a star.) Stop! Officer arrest those men. They 

are trespassers, here to purloin secret information. 
Le M. (Indignantly.) It's false. I came here just too late to 

meet your board of directors. 
Bra. A likeh' story. Officer do your duty. 

Le M. (Angrily). I see your play for the public and I'll go 

you just one better. We have now the daily Searchlight 

for an official journal. Beat that with your hireling press 

if you can. 
Arm. (Laughing, shouts.) Good enough Brainard. You can 

buy my Con. American stock right now. 
Bra. (Aside.) DAMNATION. 

CURTAIN. 



J.i\'- 



16 



ACT. 11. 

Boxed in drawinqroom with conservatory set right unper cor- 
ner. Window R. 3 E. Wide C. D. draped with dark olive phish 
portieres. Decorations and floor covering in dark olive shaded into 
dark green. Quaint rich furnishings to match colors. Conversa- 
tion chair is set down left 1 E. Table containing magazines and 
large portfolio of views set down right of center. Settee for two 
back of table. Sofa with cushions R. 2 E. Easy chair right of C. 
D. Fancy flower stand left of C. D. Grand piano just above I. 
2 E. with revolving stool before it, and sheet music on the rack. 
Cabinet containing sheet music and shaded niano lamp at rear of 
piano. Jarciinere holding large vase set near L. 2 E. Empty vases 
on flower stand. Handsome hall setting with hat stand and large 
clock is seen at rear through open C. D. 

Mrs. Temple arid Zora Forester are discovered at rise of cur- 
tain. Mrs. T. reclining on sofa R. has vinaigrette v/hich she uses 
constantly. Zora is seated in lower part of conversation chair 
writing in note Dook. 
Mrs. T, Zora dear. 
Zora (Pertly) Yes mam. 

Mrs. T. Are you writing a story? 
Zora No, I'm trying to report Mr. Le Moyne's speech at the 

mass meetinp- last night. 
Mrs. T. Oh, it's that-a-way is it? What will it be when you are 

married to a reporter? 
Zora (Looks at notes admiringly.) FlI be a reporteress. 

Mrs. T. (Laughing) You'll be a regular little Bohemian. 
Zora (^«jriggles mischievously.) Good! That's just what I want 

to be. Fm tired of this conventional life. It's me for 

a simple one from this time on. 
Mrs. T. (Shocked) I suppose you think a simple life includes a 

few hundred and fifty dollar hats, motors, etc. What 

would your father say if he heard you? 
Zora Oh, papa wouldn't care, he lets me do as I please. 

Mrs. T. Evidently. Else he would not have allowed a news writer 

to propose marriage to you. 
Zora (Giggles.) Oh, he didn't propose; I proposed to him. 

Mrs. T. Well, of all eccentric young women, you take the lead. 
Zora (Enjoys shocking Mrs. T. in a mischievously good na- 

tured way. Giggles.) What is more, when Harvey re- 
fused me papa tried to buy him for me. 
Mrs. T. (Laughing.) Oh, he'd buy you the moon if he could. Tell 

me about it. 
Zora Papa offered to buy a newspaper plant for Harvey. 

Mrs. T. And he did not accept the offer? 
Zora Not he. He said that might do for those foreign fortune 

hunters who never knew what it was to earn an honest 

dollar, but nixy for him. He preferred to work out his 

own career. 
Mrs. T. But you are engaged? 
Zora Yes, we compromised as they say in law. He said if I 

cared to wait for him without binding myself that he'd 

make good. So Fm "Woiting" (Giggles.) 
Mrs. T. Zora! you are getting dreadfully slangy. Let me hear 

what you have to report. 

27 



-Mrs. 


T, 


Zora 




Mrs. 


T. 


Zora 





Mrs. 


T, 


Zora 




Mrs. 


T, 


Zora 




Mr.^. 


T 


Zora 





Zora It was wonderful; the house was packed and Mr. Le 

Moyne received a perfect ovation. 
Is he a good speaker? 

It wasn't like speaking at all, but just like talking to a 
lot of friends. 
What did he say? 

Oh I can't remember. (Touches her forehead with her 
index finger. ) Wait a minute. (Looks at notes.) Ah, 
here's the first thing he said. (Reads laboredly and dis- 
tincth). The most practical philanthrop}-. that o:ie can 
bestow..: -upon his fellow man, in the present delirium of 
money getting, is to put that man in a position to make 
money. Whew! (Leans back in chair exhausted. 
That certainly was right to the point. 

It made a hit. And his two hours' talk seemed like ten 
minutes. 

It must have been interesting. 

Interesling, why the people Vv'cre just enraptured by his 
plain common sense. Lie anticipated every attack that 
opponents could make by his convincing truths. 
(Laughing.) W^hy, what an enthusiastic reporter you v\-ill 
make. 

Oh, that wasn't original; that's v/hat Harvey said. I wish 
I had the power to repeat the things that Mr. Le Moyne 
. ?aid, but I can only remember the commonplace ones 
and that soeech he quoted of Abraham Lincoln's. 

Mrs. T. Which one was that? 

Zora (Reads). About the money povs'er of the country pro- 

longing its reign by working upon th.e prejudices of the 
people until all wealth was concentrated in a few hands 
and the republic was destroyed. 

Mrs. T. (Impressively.) That was one of the most prophetic 
speeches of our greatest president. 

Zora Everybody in the audience seemed to think the same 

about it. He said that statistics proved that v/e were 
nearin^T the end prophesied and that it was fatal to waste 
any more time in a useless war of words and court ap- 
peals. That the only way to avert the impending doom 
of our nation was to organize the people and labor un- 
ions on the same line on which organized capital worked. 

IMrs. T. I guess that's about riglit. 

Zora (Looking at her notes.) You can't win on talk, said he, 

you've got to get together and work together, then you'll 
be surprised at the ease vvith which obstacles disappear. 
(Speaks.) Isn't that the truth. (Goes to piano.) 

yiTS. T. You certainly have it down fine. (Laughing.) 

Zora (Goes to piano and plays.) Listen to this verse. It was 

sung last night with an enthusiastic recall. (Sings and 
plays with orchestra accompaniment, a talking song.) 
There's a way, an end, to bring, to the mon-e-tary ring, 
That laughs to scorn, the strikes and wars of word, 
They know you can't beat cash, no matter how you 

clash, 
For it neither sleeps nor eats, like common herd. 
Then measure wit with wit, and just combine a bit, 
And cease, like stolid ox, to pull their load, 

28 



For they only hold the lash, bccauce they get the cash, 
Through lack of com-pe-ti-tion in their road. 

rMrs. i. That isn't very classical, but it tells the whole story, can't 
you think of something else that he said. 

'Zora (Flaying.) No, my brain is overtaxed now. 

Mrs. T- I can't get Agnes to tell me anything. She seems to be 
com.pletely absorbed in this Vv'ork. 

!Zora (I ooking over her shoulder.) Is she! 

Mrs. T. Why, what do you mean? 

Zora She's in love. 

Mrs. T In love! 

.Zora (Nods her head, sirigs.) Friends in need, are friends in 

deed — 

Mrs. T. (Impatiently.) Do turn around and talk to me. With 
vv'hom is she in love? 

-Zora (Whirls around on stool speaks pertly,) With Mr. Le 

Moyne. 

Mrs. T. Absurd. My niece has too much common sense to fall 
in love on such short acquaintance. 

Zora As if common sense had anything to do with falling in 

love. (Giggles.) Didn't 3^ou notice anything when they 
miet first at the ball that night .^ 

Mrs. T, Nothing special, he was delightfully agreeable v/ith us all. 

Zora Ah, but when he looked into her eyes v/e v^-ercn't in it 

any more. Didn't you see how she blushed? 

]\Irs. T. The poor child, the color always comes to her cheeks 
vdien anything exciting or unusual occurs. She's just , 
like her nocr dear mother was in that respect. 

Zora It wasn't anything inherited that sent the blood to her 

cheeks and temples that time. (Quotes extravagantly.) 
Their e3''es mixed — and from that look (sighs.) sprang 
— love — And their indifference to each other NOW is all 
assumed. (Raises lier index finger comically near her 
face.) But I've made up my mind, he shall declare his 
intentions this very evening. 

T.Irs. T. (Laughing.) Oh, you have. Zora, you remind mc of those 
funny little squirrels that frisk about here in the moun- 
tains. 

Zora (Giggles.) 

J^.lrs. T. So you are going to turn match maker too, you little minx. 

Zora Yes. and you must help me, for if it wasn't a case of 

love at first sight it was because tlic}^ v.-cre in love with 
each other before they ever met. Tonight is our last 
chance. 

T^Irs. T. But Zora, I understand that he has taken a vow in that 
brotherhood not to marry. 

Zora Oh. that isn't binding if he chooses to withdraw it, so 

Harvey says. 

I\Irs. T. But what if he should choose to keep his vow and Agnes 
Si.ould wear her life away as she almost did over that 
wortliless fellow who tried to win her years ago, Zora, 
you do not know the intensity of that girl's quiet nature, 
she never would survive another lioneless love. 

Zora But Harvey says he knows that Le ?.iovne adores her. You 

just stand by me tonight and there'll be something doing 
before we leave Iiere. 

29 



5jrs. T. (Gently reproving). I'm shocked at yoir. 
Zora (Giggles.) Are you with me? 

Mrs. T. 1 suppose I am. I owe Agnes one for insisting upon Dr;. 

I^.Iartin's coming with us. What's your program? 
Zora Soon after Harvey and Mr. Le Moyne come, suppose you' 

invent an excuse to withdraw and take Dr. Martin Vv^ith' 
you if he is here, 

Mrs. T. Oh, no. 

Zora Oh, yes, your headache is still on, and Doctor must go> 

and prescribe for you, of course. After you are gone, I'll 
walk off with Harvey and Miss Van Der Vere and the- 
count if they come in, and Mr. Le Moyne and Agnes will 
be compelled to talk to each other all alone. Sh — (Plays 
with orchestra for Agnes^ entrance. 

Agnes (Enters C. D. with arms full of flowers. Is fallowed by 
Dr. Martin, who awkwardly deposits bunch of flowers irr 
large vase on jardinere stand, then awkwardly edges 
around until he is at the rear of sofa near Mrs. T. where 
he stands bashfully chewing the corner of his handker- 
chief and pulling at the opposite corner with his hand. 

Mrs. T. What are j-ou and Doctor going to do with all those 
flowers? 

Agnes Going to decorate for our last evening in this dear old 
bungalow. (Sighs.) Takes flower from bunch and pins 
on left side of her corsage.) 

Le M, And Holmes are seen at rear hanging up their hats. 

Zora (Sighs comically to attract Mrs. T.) Here we are about 

to leave and it seems as if we had only just come. 

Holmes (Entering C. D., followed by Le M.,. who goes down R, 
to Agnes and Mrs. T.) Just come! It's all a dream! we're 
just waking up. (Goes down left to Zora, places his hand 
on her head comically.) and to think, here is the prodigy 
that evolved this de-lightful trip. 

2ora (With mock tragedy removes Llolme's hand.) We had 

to go somewhere to escape interviewers. (To Le M.) 
You just ought to have seen how Agnes was beseiged by 
reporters after the news of her bond subscription was 
published. 

Holmes (Sits on niano stool, looks over music on the rack.) 

Le M. Poor child, it must have been embarassing. (Turns to 
Agnes.) 

Agnes It would have been, but for Mr. Forester, I did not see 
any of them. 

Zora But the joke of it all was, for once the tables were turned 

and the biters were bitten. Papa sold all of Agnes' stock 
at the highest price the market has ever known just as they 
were about to unload, and what do you think (Giggles.) 
they had to buy most of it to keep up the price. 

All (Laugh.) 

Le M, That was awful. I certainly have to thank you, Miss 
Zora for bringing about this delightful visit. I never knew 
ten days to i\y so quickly. 

Agnes I don't wonder, Mr. Le Moyne, we have kept you so busy 
entertaining us. 

Zora (Goes up to Holmes.) 

Le M, You have kept me entertained you should say. (Turns to 

30 



!Its. T.) An'3 how is the invalid this evening, headache 
disappeared? 

Mrs. T. Not entirely, thank you, but I quite forgot about it list- 
ening to Zora's account of your speech. I regret so much 
missing it. 

Le I\I. Perhaps the recital exceeded the original and ycu arc to 
be congratulated. 

-Zora Oil, Mr. Le Moyne, it v/as simply murder in the first de- 

gree. 

Le AL (Laughing.) No one is ever convicted on such evidence 
as that. (To Mrs. T.) We had a fine attendance and 
all the force throughout the country have been kept busy 
today taking applications for membership and subscrip- 
tions for bonds. 

JVIrs. T, That was a great response. 

Le M. Yes, in more sense than one. But we shall need all the 
money we can get, for the older combines are making a 
strong tight against us. 

Agnes (Confidently.) But you are going to win, 

Le M. (Smiling with determination.) Thank you, I went in to 
win. Now let us stop talking shop; I have enjoyed this 
unexpected visit so much, I fear it will be difficult to get 
down to business again. 

Mrs. T. Your pleasure has been shared by all. I never saw my 
two girls looking so rosy and happy. Don't you think 
they look fine Doctor? 

Dr. Isl. (Looking only at Mrs. T.) They certainly have a healthy 
color. 

All (Smile.) 

Agnes (Turns to conceal smile.) Where are Miss Van Der Vere 
and the count? 

Llolmes (Extravagantly.) The heiress and her titled fiancee are 
strolling on the lawn. 

Zora Now Harvey; this L9 a real love match. 

Holmes Of course. What's a paltry six millions to ze grand count 
de Calculari. What's become of Guille? (Plays part of 
chorus of "Your Money is Your Mother" for entrance of 
Miss V. and the count as he talks. Orchestra accompany- 
ing.) 

Agnes (Looking out the v.-indow.) Here they are. 

Miss V. (Enters C. D. R. H. with the count.) 

Agnes (Goes up center to chat with them.) 

Le M. (Who has in the mean time taken package from his pocket, 
speaks as Holmes continues playing.) By the way, I have 
some of the pictures we took on our last trip. You are 
just in time Miss Van Der Vere and Count. (Sits on settee 
at rear of table. R. H., lays quantity of kodak pictures 
on table and passes them out as all crowd around him.) 

Agnes (Seats herself on settee L. H.) 

Detective in seen at C. D. He stealthily walks in and secrets him- 
self behind window drapery R. H. (Is seen to unfasten 
window cautiously.) 

Zora (Coming down with Holmes.) Are they good? 

Le M. (Hands her a bunch.) Some of them are capital, parti- 
cularly that one of you on the donkey where Harvey 
tried to hold the brute back by the tail. 

31 



Zora (Laughing.) Here's where the guide from Arkansas 

St? 'ted to light the fire under the donkey to make him 

go, and you stopped him Agnes. 
Holmes That was shameful of you Agnes, think how you made me 

toil to pull the beast up the trail. 
Le M. (Jokingly.) Are you sure the donkey was on the other 

end of the line? 
Count (Laughs.) He, he, he. 
Ail (Laugh good naturedly.) 

Holmes I had mj^ doubts all the time, but that's wh't I get for 

working for the good of humanity. 
Dr. ]\L (Who is seated by a\Irs. T., looking over pictures, sa}."? 

dolefully.) Never mind my boy, your reward is close at 

hand. (Looks at Mrs. T. from the corner of his eyes.) 
Count He, he. He. 
All (Laugh good naturedly.) 

Holmes Here you are Count; 3'ou and Miss Van Der Vere. It's 

great. (Slaps him on the back and immediately turn? 

away.) 
Count (Indignantly adjusts eyeglass; looks at Holmes, turns to 

Miss V. L.) De, what you call him? He has not money 

nor title. 
Miss V. (Laughing, touches her forehead.) Sh — he has brains. 

(Interests hl:n in picture. They retire up R.) 
Holmes Here's one of Le Moyne in his favorite spot. I never 

saw a more perfect likeness. 
Zora Of which the spot? 

Holmes (Looks at Zora askance.) Yes, of course. 

Le ]\I. (Looking at picture with Agnes.) Yes there's something 

fascinating about the rugged austerity of that mountain 

scene. To me, it is a language of signs that speaks of 

the IVIajesty of the Absolute. 
Zora Oh dear; that makes me feel like an atom. 

Holmes (At rear with Zora gives her a sly hug. Aside.) But the 

sweetest little atom in all the world. 
Le M. (Lias turned ciuickl}^ at Zora's remark; catches them; 

laughs.) You mustn't mind what I say; I don't get these 

spells often. 
Holmes Do you remember, Agnes, when you and I were talking 

about the mountains? 
Agnes (Looks at Holmes apprehensively.) 
Zora Do tell us what you are talking about. 

Holmes (Girlishly.) Oh, this is just a little side affair of ours. 
Zora You are very impolite to have side affairs in company. 

Holmes This isn't company; we are all brothers and sisters. 
Zora Oh, we are? Well don't forget that please, I'm your 

sister. 
Holmes No you're not; I didn't say whose brothers and sisters we 

were. 
Mrs. T. Come, come children, my head isn't strong enough to 

stand any family jars. 
Zora (Delighted, signals Mrs. T, to go.) 

Mrs. T. (Rising acquiescently.) I believe I'll have to ask you 

all to excuse me for a while. 
Le M. I am so sorry you feel so badly, Mrs. Temple, let me as- 

32 



sist you to your room. (He rises and is pushed down in 
his chair by Zora.) 

Zora Sit still, Mr. Le I\Io3me? I'm going to help Mrs. Temple. 

Dr. M. (Offers his arm simultaneously with Le Moyne.) Allow 
me. 

Mrs. T. Yes Doctor, I want yon to prescribe for me. 

Dr. M. (Looks radiant as he leads Mrs. T. from the room. Exits 
C. D. L.) 

Zora (Follows expressing amusement.) Lm so sorry Mrs. 

Temple you have to leave us. (Motions to Miss V. and 
the Count to follow as she exits C. D. R.) 

Miss V. (Exits with Count C. D. R.) 

Holmes Straddles piano stool carelessly. Looks at song on the 
racks; plays with orchestra, piano accompanying, as if 
practicing, and sings the chorus of "Your Money is Your 
Mother." 

Chorus Friends in need are friends indeed, 

And they help to make the hard time break away. 

But your money is your mother, beats a friend an e'en a 

brother, 
So put a little by for the rainy day. (Whirls around on 
stool facing audience. Sings to last refrain.) IF YOU 
HAVE ANY LEFT TO PUT AWAY. 

Le M. And Agnes meanwhile have been visiting and commenting 
on views in portfolio, they are wholly absorbed in each 
other.) 

Zora (Returns at end of song; attracts Holmes' attention by 

pantomime. Holds up three fingers, motioning off the 
third at Holmes.) 

Holmes (Imitates her, then points to Agnes and Le Moyne un- 
derstandingly, and to himself; puts his hands in his 
pockets and rushes madly after Zora C. D. R. H, exit.) 

Agnes (Looking at portfolio.) Zora, here's the photographer's ad- 
dress that you w^anted. (Looks around, goes to C. D.) 
Where are all the people. 

Le M. (Rises with her, goes down R. laughing.) It looks as if 
we were deserted. There's no accounting for the pranks 
of young lovers, particularly when the time of separation 
draws near. 

Agnes (Laughing goes down L. and takes lower left hand seat 
in conversation chair.) Nor older ones either. I must 
tell you Mr. Le Moyne what rare good fun I've been hav- 
ing ever since we left New York. And all at aunt Lucy's 
expense. (Laughs.) 

Le M. (Taking upper seat in conversation chair.) I can imagine 
from Dr. Martin's attitude. 

Agnes (Still laughing.) Ah, but Aunt Lucy. We were hardly on 
speaking terms all the way out here to Colorado just be- 
cause I insisted upon Dr. Martin's com.ing with us when 
Zora proposed Miss Van Der Vere and her fiancee. Just 
think wdiat I have had to endure: Two engaged couples 
and one would be. Only that Dr. Martin is such a dear, 
innocent man, Aunt Lucy wouldn't have even been polite 
to him. Poor man. 
Le M, And he's such a grand soul. 
Agnes Of course you know who he isl 

33 



Le M. Yes. I understand that he is one of New York's greatest 
surgeons. 

Agnes (Fondly.) And noblest. He has endowed wards in severaV 
hospitals where he puts in much of his valuable time just 
caring for the poor and helpless. 

Le M. I can well believe that of him. 

Agnes (Laughing.) But the joke is all on Aunt Lucy. He's 
desperately in love with her, but he's so bashful in the pres- 
ence of women in full dress, that is everybody except mev 
that half the time he's in perfect misery. 

Le M, (Looking into her eyes.) Poor fellow, I can sympathize 
with him. 

Agnes (Innocently.) But you are not on the rack like he is. 

Le M. (Earnestly.) Perhaps not. 

Agnes You see, Aunty Lucy is determined to punish me by show- 
ing complete indifference to him. How stupid of me to- 
tell you all this nonsense. 

Le M. (Earnestly.) Not at all. I love to hear you talk. 

Agnes (Slightly embarrassed.) Talk, it's just prattle. Now to be 
serious. Do tell me how you had the courage to take 
the first step in your great enterprise. 

Le M. (Laughing.) You mean our great enterprise. (Diffidently.) 
Really, IVxiss A^^^nes, it followed in my work so naturally 
that I can scarcely recall it. But just prior to the or- 
ganization I had the good fortune to be associated with 
a number of wealthy whole souled mining men to whom 
I was able to make the plan clear, and who joined me in 
the preliminary v/ork. I also belong to a brotherhood of 
humanitarians whose moral support is everything to me. 
Then when father learned what I was doing, he relented,, 
after investigating my methods. We had a complete re- 
conciliation. I was so glad to have his commendation be- 
fore he passed into the great beyond and then, just before 
his decease, he transferred all his holdings to me. This 
of course was an immense lift to the world's trusts as it 
put us in possession of shipping and other transportation 
lines much needed. 

Agnes But there must have been many interesting incidents that 
led up to that point. I had long been thinking on the 
same lines myself, but could never form the faintest idea 
of how to begin. 

Le M. I think, Miss Agnes, one must feel the lash of necessity to 
spur one on to that point. It was only at such a time 
that I began to make real effort. 

Agnes (Persistently.) And then? 

Le M. Then when I cared the least for life I began to do actual 
work on these lines. 

Agnes (Sympathetically.) That must have been a trying time. 

Le M. It was. For when I mingled more with the people an'd 
saw in their toil wearied brains how impossible it v/as to 
awaken them to concerted action, the cause seemed al- 
most hopeless, and more than once I gave up in despair. 

Agnes (Spiritedly.) I don't wonder. It was the stolidity with 
which people adjusted themselves to the harness that dis- 
couraged me in IVIY work. 

Le M. Then you can understand my position at the time. I had 

34 



long realized that our country was a republic only in 
name; that it had become a monarchy in which Money was 
King; that for years the people had remained like a vast 
-army without a general, exhausting their forces in a 
useless war of words while the work of the system went 
rem.orselessly on; that it had gained by strategy and trick- 
ery what Napoleon with all his men and army tactics 
could never have won and that the only way leit to snatch 
victory from defeat was to outmatch them with more 
money and v/ith more people interested in that money. 
So again I took up the m.atter, starting on the basis that 
the dollar had become paramount to all else; and that only 
through a practical up-to-date business method, that 
v/ould insure a good return for every dollar invested, would 
the people ever accept a way to lift themselves vp out of 
the conditions which had gradually closed around them. 
So the vrorld's trusts were launched, ,and as 1 couldn't 
get anj'one else to take the leadership I am in it myself 
perforce. (Places hand on back of chair near Agnes.) 
You know the rest, Miss Agnes. Now let's talk about 
something more interesting. Tell me more of your home 
life. 

Agnes (Confused) Really, Mr. Le Moyne. Tm sure you would be 
bored to hear of its droning nothingness. 

Le M. (Insistently.) I promise you I shall not. 

Agnes (Pleadinglj'.) Now, please, Mr. Le Moyne, tell me some- 
thing more. 

Le M. (Sta3'S his hand from touching her, rises quickly, goes 
down R. Aside) I thought I had conquered myself, and 
here am I fighting the battle over and over a?:ain, with 
the thought of separation almost maddening mc into for- 
getfulness of my vow. 

Agnes (Rises with Le Moyne, comes down center.) You are not 
displeased v/ith me! 

Le M. (Takes both her hands in* his.) Di.-.pcla'^ed with vou? 
Hov/ could I be? I MUST TELL YOU. (Restrains him.- 
self.) That is I — T — wanted (aside) What am I saying? 
Well, if you w^on't talk to me (laughing), v>-ould you 
mind singing for me? 

Agnes Not at all. I shall be pleased. (Goes up to cabinet; se- 
lects music "Cleansing Fire.'' Plays prelude softly, with 
orchestra piano accompanying. Song can be sung from 
the wings if leading lady does not sing. Agnes sinndatine.) 

Le AL (Speaks as she selects music and plan's prelude.) Oh. 
that T might hold her close to my heart and tell her of 
my love (Sighs, comes down to settee.) Such a heaven 
is not for me now. In my singleness of purpose lies my 
strength and power; divert that puroose by selfish love 
and my power to act for all is weakened. Fool, that I 
was to think that I wa'^ bevond temptation. I must be 
firm until all is accomplished, (.'-^its on settee, covers his 
eyes with one hand, listlessly throws other hand over 
* arm of settee until after the first line of the second verse 
of song, then listens expressively until close of song."* 

Song. Let the gold be cast in the furnace. The red gold, precious 
and bright, 

35 



Do not fear the hungry fire with its caverns of burning 

light, 
And tlie gold shall return more precious, Free from every 

spot and stain, 
For gold must be tried by fire, I'^or gold must be tried by 

lire, 
For gold must be tried by fire. As the heart must be tried 

by pain. 
In tlic cleansing fire of sorrow, Cast thy heart, do not 

faint or wail, 
T.ct thy hand be Hrm and steady. Do not let thy spirit quail. 
But wait 'til tl;e trial is over. And take thy heart a.-vain, 

Cho. For as gold is tried by f.re, For as gold is tried by fire. 

For as gold is tried by fire. So the heart must be tried 
by pain. 

Le M. (Rises as she finishes. Speaks as she plays.) In the 
cleansing fire of sorrow cast thy heart, do not faint or 
wail. — The song was inspiration. It is a message to me. 
(He goes to Agnes, stands R. a trifle up stage almost be- 
hind her as she finishes playing.) Miss Agnes, I thank 
you. 

Agnes (Turns on piano stool facing audience; her hands fall 
heavily to her lap; she looks up into Le Moyne's eyes, 
smiles sadly.) 

Holmes (Enters C. D. R. R., followed by Zora, v;ho remains near 
the door.) Here's a telegram for you, Le Moyne. You 
can thank me for getting it. 

Le M. (Takes dispatch.) How's that? 

Holmes I snatched .it from the hands of Brainard's chief detec- 
tive just as he took it from the enquiring messenger. 

Agnes (Rises in alarm.) How dreadful! 

Le M. Oh, that's nothing. Miss Agnes, I scarcely know what it 
is to be free from shadowing dectectives. 

Agnes But they might kill you. 

Le M. There is no danger. We are so well organized that they 
know my death wouldn't make the slightest difference in 
the conduct of the world's tru'^t'^. but to see that nothing 
comes from this interference, if you'll excuse me for a 
moment I'll phone to the operator. (Goes up to C. D., 
exits as Agnes replies.) 

Agnes (Goes close to window, then up R. to conservatory. Plucks 
flowers from plant. Has left flower on piano keys.) Re- 
plies with an assenting nod to I e Moyne.) 

Detective (is seen by audience, expressing fear of detection as Ag- 
nes comes near.) 

Zora (Goes down left to Holmes; speaks aside nervously.) Do 

you like "Cleansing Fire?" 

Holmes I should say not[ Water does me. 

Zora Did you see the expression on their faces when we poked 

in like two Indians? 

Holmes Looked as if they were going to have an understanding. 

Zora (Almost crying with disappointment.) Ugh! I am so 

angry! 

Holmes Ugh! ugh! so am I. 

Jos. (At C. D. to Agn^^s.) Mrs. Tc'm])le sent me to ask you and 

Zora to come to her for a few minutes. 

36 



Agnes (Goes to C. D., is followed by Zora.) (to Holmes.) We 

can be excused? 
Holmes Thank you, yes, glad you're going. (Follows them to 

the door as Dora exits, saucily following Agnes, Ho'mcs 

goes down R.) 
Le M. (Re-enters, goes down L.) It's no use, he has cut the 

wires. 
Holmes I'll go to the Rossmore villa and use their phone. 
Le M. It's not necessary, they can't make anvtbing out of the 

message except that it's a call to New York, and I'll give 

them the slip there. (Gives message to Holmes, sighs.) 
(vSits on piano stool. "i 
Holmes (Reads aloud.) The Grand Master desires your presence 

here in Xew York. Please start immediately. Emanual. 

By Copeland, Secy. By Jove! You ARE the luckiest dog 

on earth to get this in time to travel with the party, and 

my friend, when you return, don't bring back any more 

melancholy sighs. (Sighs dolefully.) 
Le ]\L (Slyly concealing flower that lie has picked up from piano 

keys as Holmes reads.) 

T don't understandj von, Harvcv. 
Holmes Well, don't try to then. GREAT GUNS! My boy! This 

may mican somethinor tremendous for you! With all that 

lofty tumbling in W^^^l Street! I wouldn't be surprised 

if some of those head-liners made 3''ou a proposition. 
Le M, It's already been made and partly arranged. That is the 

reason I wired you to take my place on the journal here. 

This dispatch is a call to settle details with Armstrong. 

He will head the brokers for us in the stock exchange. 
Detective (is seen by audience. Aside) That's worth all the ri<^k. 
Holmes Aren't vou afraid a further association with him vvill 



arouse £usi3tc^on 



Le M. No. In the first place the work must necessarily be done 
in secret. Further, he is investing tiie hulk of his great 
fortune in onr bonds, b^it that is the least incentive he 
ha<; to v.-ork for our cause. I 1-^nrn from our order, of 
which he has recently become a member, that he has long 
contemplated an organization of this sort him<5elf; thnt 
he was working solely to accumulate for his plans, and 
that to draw out sooner meant his rnin. Again he felt 
that the p-^onle needed further crowding to the wall be- 
fore organization could be efTected 

Holmes "^Vell. there's one thing sure. lie's played the game to 
the limit. He ought to be able to make it lively for the 
jungle. 

Le M. But the best of it is he works entirely without compen- 
sation other than actual expenses. He says the people 
have already paid him. 

Detective (is seen by audience looking jubilant.) 

Holmes Hov/ about speculation on the side? 

Le M. There are none. Esther directly or indirectly. 

Holmes What's to prevent it? 

Le M. Bonds. 'With forfeiture of position and unw?irranted ac- 
cumulations. 

Holmes That's the next step to take against public officials who 

37 



speculate away the people's rights. And you are doing, 
all this work for nothing, too. 

Le M. For nothing? No, for humanity. 

Holmes (suppressing exclamation) Say, old man, put it there. 
(Extends hand.) It's great, but take it from .me, Hum.an- 
ity isn t worth it. 

Le "M. (Laughing.) But take it from me, it's going to he worth 
it. I haven't told you. Of course, this is all strictly con- 
fidential. 

Holmes Strictly. 

Detective (seen getting out the window as wfnd bfows ctirtain out.) 

Le M. (Looks cautiously around, sees curtain blowing, rushes' 
to Avindow as detective escapes.) 

Holmes (Follows to window, starts to climb out.) There are two 
of them. Let me get after them. 

Le M. (Restrains Holmes.) Let them go. You can't get back 
the information he has gained. And you will only alarm 
the ladies. H the wind hadn't blown the curtain, he'd' 
learned something still more important than that. (Locks 
the window, looks around cautiously.) I was about tO' 
tell you of OUR secret service. 

Holmes (Goes to C. D., looks out and around cautiously.) You'll 
need something marvelous to beat them at that game. I 
begin to think that the walls have ears. 

T.e M. How could he have gotten in? (Looks perplexed.) 

Holmes Search me! He must have followed Miss Van Der Verc 
and the Dago. 

Le M. It can't be helped now. I'll wire the situation to Arm- 
strong; he'll handle it from that end. (Is perplexed.) 

Holmes What secret service have you? 

Le M. It is headed by a woman of immense wealth as yet know^n 
only to Armstrong. Her system for gathering facts is a 
secret, but Armstrong says she's a wonder. 

Holmes Good. A woman with wnt will get there while a man is 
studying about it. 

Le M. But the host is yet to come. I have personally boutrht 
the Searchlight and shall donate its use to the world's 
trusts for an ofTpicial iournal. 

Holmes What! The Searchlicrht ! ! ! Oh, I seo. Say. YOU 
ARE ON TO YOUR JOB. 

Le Tvl. (T aughing.) I began to think so when Brainard called 
off our arrest. 

Holmes Oh, that was the how of it. 

I e M. (Laughing.) All I had to do was to spring it on him. 

Holmes (Laughing.) There's nothing like a daily paoer, unless 
it's another daily paper. It beats a gun boat all to smash. 

Le Al. (Laughing.) W!e shall rechristen the journal The Greater 
New^ York Daily. I shall take permanent charge of it im- 
mediately. You will remain here until I find some one to 
replace you, then you shall return to New York and be co- 
editor with me. Your pay will be a half interest in the 
journal. 

Holmes (Affected.) I cannot find words to thank you. This will 
fix the day of my wedding. 

Le M. You have earned the position, my boy, and you have my 
best wishes. 

38 



Tlolmes (AfFectionatcly.) And you have mine. 

Le M. I knov.' it. And I certainly shall need them, for Wall 
iS'Lreet has its teeth and claws whetted ready to fasten 
upon me. 

Holmes The old grizzlies. Their tracks are plain enough to me 
in their newspaper paragraphing. You may be white as 
snow com.pared to their morals, but you will do well if 
you escape their jobbery. 

Le M. (Earnestly and sadly.) Harvey, my boy, I have just 
realized hov/ weak we mortals are, and I don't want to 
mske any vain boast. But 1 have given myself up to 
this work, body and soul, let the consequences be what 
they may. 
(Places hand on Holmes' slioulder affectionately.) 

Dr. AI. (Enters C. D. Is distraut. Walks into Holmes and Le 
Moyne.) I beg your pardons. 

Llolmes (Laughing.) Would you like to have us removed? 

Le M. (Laughing.) What's the matter, Doctor? 

Dr. M. (Stands center, looking hrst at Le Moyne and then Holmes 
in a dazed way.) Were you ever in love? 

Le M. (Expresses sorrow.) 

Holmes He's got 'em. 

Dr. M. No, I haven't got 'em.. I don't know how to get 'em. 
Did you ever propose to a WOMAN? 

Holmes Well, I should REMARK! 

Dr. M. How did you do it? 

Holmes Now that's coming close, but Lll tell you, Doctor, what 
might work best in your case. Ju.^t take the proposition 
by storm. Say — Madam! It ha,s come to this! Will you 
marry m.e? Just say yes or no. 

Dr. M. (Startled.) But suppose she should say no. 

Holmes Argue the case. Don't leave it. Stay with it 'til you 
win. (Goes wnth Dr. Martin to C. D.) 

Dr. M. (Determinedlv.) I'll do it. (As he reaches the C. D. re- 
peats) Madam! 

(Mrs. T. appears at C. D,, followed by Agnes and Zora.) 

Dr. M. (Looks hopelessly at Holmes and rushes off R. H., ex- 
claiming) It's all of¥ again. 

Le M. (Has crossed R. of C.) 

]\Irs. T. and Agnes join Le Moyne. Agnes and I e Movne smile 
significantly. A^rs. T. looks annoyed and speaks to Le 
AToyne questioningly.) 

Zora (Goes down L., preceding Holmes. Speaks at Doctor's 

exit.) On again. 

Holmes (Reprovingly.) See here, young lady, wdiere are you get- 
ting all that vernacular? 

Zora Erom association. 

Holmes You mean me. I suppose? 
Zora That is what Mrs. Temnle says. 

Blolmes Lll reform, at once. (Turns to Mrs. Temple and Agnes.) 
I say, fellows! Has Le Moyne told you that he goes 
to New York in the morning? 
Mrs. T. Isn't that fine? You'll ioin us in our private car? 
Le M. (Looking at Aofnes.) Thanks, if agreeable to all. 
Agnes (Conventionally.) We shall all enjoy having you with us, 
I'm sure. 

39 



Zora It's just the thing. I was thinking how awfully dull we 

were going to be shut up in that car all alone by our- 
selves after the good time we've been having here. 

Holmes (Dolefully.) Just think how dull it's going to be for me, 
left an orphan out here all alone by myself. 

Zora (1-ooks sym.pathetic.) 

Le M. (Laughing.) Now, Miss Zora, don't you begin to com- 
miserate him. I'll guarantee that he won't have a mo- 
ment's time to get lonesome. 

Holmes Oh, you will! Come on, let's break away. (Aside to 
Zora, as he starts to go.) Come on out. I've got some- 
thing to tell you. 

Le M. (Vvho starts first to go, turns at C. D.) 

Mrs. T. Then it's all settled, Mr. Le Moyne? 

Le M. Yes, Harvey can look after your going and I will meet 
3'ou at the train. Good night, everybody. (Looks at Ag- 
nes.) 

Mrs. T. (Joining him at C. D.) I'll go with you as far as the 
gate. A breath of fresh air will do me good. 

Le M. (Laughing, offers hef his arm.) Yes, com.e. Perhaps we 
can find out what has become of that poor doctor. 

Mrs. T. (Strikes him playfully with her fan.) 

Le M. (Speaks tenderly.) Good night. Miss Agnes. (Exits with 
Mrs. T. C. D. R. H.) 

Agnes (Smiles sadly.) Good night. 

Music (Is pianissimo until end of act.) 

Holmes (With his arm about Zora, exits with her, following Le 
Moyne and Mrs. Temple.) Good night, Agnes. 

Agnes (Smiles a sad good night to Holmes. She stands in bas 
relief against the dark green draperies, holding portiere 
back with her right hand and looking after them.) How 
happy they nre in each other's love, while I — worship-— 
Unsought. PICTURE. 

CURTAIN. , , 



46 



ACT III. 

Two years have elapsed between events of the second and 
third acts. Curtain rises on exterior drop: A dense fog thro'.igh 
which are seen tug boats or their smoke stacks and decks near 
the shore of the river, and beyond in the distance stand forth in 
monumental splendor the tall lighted buildings in lower New York. 

Business. Fog horns, whistles, road traffic, etc., are heard 
mingling with sounds of loud mob in the distance and the cries of 
newsboys. The mob noise svrelling and decreasing alternately in 
order to allow substance of various news cries to be heard and un- 
derstood by the audience. 

Jones (First newsboy.) Extry! All about ]\Irs. Reade's ^^^rand 

reception in Washington and the noted people there! 

Lee (Second crier.) Extry! All about the veto of the tund- 

ing bill! 

Smith (Third newsboy.) Extry! All about the veto of the in- 
famous funding bill! 

Jones Extry! All about Mrs. Reade's grand reception in Wash- 
ington and the noted people there. 

Piper (Excitedly, in strong, clear voice.) Extry ! ! ! All about 

the panic in Wall Street. Thousands lined up at the banks 
for their money! (Repeat.) 

Jones Extry! All about }.Irs. Reade's grand reception in Wash- 
ington and the noted people there! 

Smith Extry! All about the veto of the infamous funding bill! 

All (Together, excitedly, but plainly.) EXTRY!' ALL 

ABOUT BRATNARD'S STROKE OF APOPI EXY AND 
THE UPHEAVAL IN WALL STREET! (Repeat.) 

Barret (Master Mechanic.) Business of shrieks, fog horns, 
whistles, bells, mob, clrown cries of news, receding and de- 
creasing at rise of exterior drop.) 

INTERIOR. 

Quadruple setting of editorial rooms of The Greater New York 
Daily. Two departments below, two departments above on bal- 
cony commencing at H. E. auvl extending across the stage at rear. 
Large general editorial room R. H. ^ wide by full depth of stage. 
String of linotvpes with men at work is painted on canvas and seen 
at rear of R. H. setting through wide open door. Door ouening in 
has card, or painted on simulated glass: "General Editorial Room." 

Setting for General Editorial Room. Sectional book case against 
R. H. wall, long narrow table against L. H. wall, with empty mail 
bags underneath table and a stack of exchanges folded and in wrao- 
pers, shears and paste pot on table. A chair at each end of table. 
Flat top desk and chair in front of table. Small heavy table in 
center, over which is fixed pneumatic tubes standing pernendicular, 
presumably from a floor above. Flat top desk with chair in front 
R. 1. E. Flat top" desk center in line with R. 1. E. v.ith chair in 
front of it and typew^riter on top. Nearly all desks have type- 
writers and phones on them. Card "City Editor" over desk R. 1. E. 
Card with Sunday Editor over desk L. 1. E. As many flat top 
desks, chairs, typewriters, phones, as space will allow. All desks 
are set so that editors are facing up stage or turned two-thirds 
away from audience. A bench for boys near center table for pneu- 
matic tubes. Cards, maps, pictures and calendars with 19 — and 

41 



corner turned down or covered tacked on the walls. Plenty of 
writing material and papers on desks, litter about on noor. Waste 
baskets, etc., green shaded droplights wherever practicable. Hat 
stand. 

letting for chief editor'al room. Room is -^ square. Door 
R. in rear flat, sliding panel left in rear flat, brick passage set at 
rear of sliding panel. Large v/indow with large lower simulated 
pane of glass and v.-ith small fancy panes above: Two panes must 
be of real glass to break. Window is set L. 2. E. Book case 
against R. H. partition. Partition of simulated glass panels ex- 
tends up about eight feet. Picture of Abraham Lincoln draped 
with American flag on rear v;all center facing audience. Calendar, 
map, etc., on wall v/herever space. Flat top desk with ' revolving;? 
chair at rear facing audience set center on a line with L. 2. E. 
Phone and writing material, etc., on desk, .^^cock ticker, ribbon 
and basket set I-. and close to desk. Tele-rraph oad, push button, 
green shaded drop lights on desk. Reading table v/ith files of 
papers, etc., on it set against rear flat center. Typewriting desk 
and chair v/ith phone and adjustable head receiver, typewriter with 
large roll of paper inserted ready for use s^t L. 1. E. Largest size 
globe set down L. H. corner. Hat stand L. H. corner. 

Second chief editorial room set on balcony rear of first chief 
editorial room. Is set with railing desk, chair, etc. Is separated 
from press dispatchers room only by railing-. Press dispatcher's 
room is set with tables on which are typewriters and telegraphic 
instruments, receiving instrum.ents are spt ^^^nt two feet high on 
tables surrounded by sound protectors. Railing crosses the front 
as in second chief's room. Tables with papers, etc., are seen. Rolls 
of paper^ are in typewriters. All tables are set so that dispatchers 
have their backs to audience. 

BUSINESS. 

Noise of mob. cries of newsboys, traffic, etc., continuous through- 
out entire act; subdued and heard faintly as if in the distance when- 
ever speaking is to be heard by audience, increased whenever door 
or window is opened, and decreased -quickly at every close of door 
or window. 

Master mechanic is stationed L. 2. E., operating phones, stock 
ticker, etc., from cues direct from actors. 

Superintendent of dispatchers also takes cues direct from actors. 

DISCOVERED. 

Everybody on the stage is busy. Typewriters are clicking, tele- 
graph instruments are heard, phones are ringing or being answered 
by editors, editors are consulting, or calling for boys to carry copy, 
boy is coming in carrying galley to editor down in front, boy is 
receiving copy and transmitting through pneumatic tube, excliange 
readers are clipping or reading or pasting copy, etc., etc., etc. 
Compositor, dirt begrimed, sleeves rolled up, short apron with 
pockets, hung around neck. Enters with galley, talks to Sunday 
editor, exits rear entrance.) 

Every chair in general editorial room and press dispatchers' 
room on balcony except chair before lower center desk is occupied 
by reporters and editors, boys. \\iiSf;n seated, occupy bench around 
table under pneumatic tube. All-iafiy editors are seen at rear. All 
editors in general editorial room sit v/ith their backs to audience. 

42 



Holmes (Is discovered seated at his desk in balcony L. 11. room, 
is in shirt sleeves.) 

Le M. Is at desk in private editorial room L., writing continu- 
ously when speaking or listening, and only stops when 
otherwise mechanically engaged. 
"Charley Wright enters, takes copy from Le Mojme's desk, exits 
door R. in flat. 

Mob (Noise is increased as door opens, decreased at is closes.) 

Le M. (During noise reads ciuotation from ribbon which is run- 
ning ofif, excitedl3% from stock ticker.) 

Newsbo5^s (All together, excitedly.) Extry! All about Brainard's 
stroke of apoplexy. 

News Extry! All about the niob in lower Broadway! 

.Jones Extrv! All about Brainard's stroke of apoplexv! 

Robey (Enters open door after Charley. Takes ofif coat and 
hat, wipes inside of hat with handkerchief before hang- 
ing it with his coat on rack.) 

Charley (Exits closing door.) 

Mob (sounds and news cries are heard only faintly.) 

Robey (Wiping face with handkerchief.) Whew! what a time 
I've had getting through that shivering mass of people. 
Can I take here? 

Le ]M. (Writing.) Go ahead. Is there much fog? 

Robey You could almost cut it with a knife. The moan of those 
fog horns just got on my nerves, 

Le M. Did you bring in much? 

Robey A "whole bunch of stuff. Gave it to ni}' pal to edit. 
Only had time to jot down. Shrieks and curses just 
fllled the air. Brokers rushed about hatless and wild 
eyed! Clothes torn half off! Mghting every inch of their 
way to the exchange. This beats anything in history 
yet! 

I- e M. It beats war and confiscation! 

Robey The people are on all right! 

Jones (Faintly in the distance but distinctly above mob sounds.) 

EXTRY! All about Brainard's stroke of apoplexy! 

Robey Brainard's stroke was a last blow to the tigers. 

Taylor (Master mechanic. Rings phone at Robey's desk.) 

lR.obey (Sits at desk and hurriedly adjusts head receiver. Speaks 
through phone.) Idello! HELLO! You'll have to speak 
slow and loud; there's a howling mob down below. 
(Receives and types rapidly.) 

Taylor (Rings phone at City Editor's desk.) 

City E. (Takes phone, answers.) Hello! — Just sent it in. 

Holmes (To Bradley. From balcony. Throws down copy.) Brad- 
ley, is this your copy? 

Bradley (Bradley is sitting in chair at desk left front. Nods as- 
sent.) 

Holmes Did you ever spiel for a side show? (Retires back and 
- exits.) 

Bradley (Looks over copv Boys laugh.) 

Reporter (Rushes in with notes, sits in chair before lower center 
desk. Types cop}- hurriedly.) 

Robey (Through phone.) All right! T got that. Wait a minute. 
Great Scott! \\'hat do you think of this from Washing- 
ton? (Reads mechanically word In' word from roll of 

4.3 



paper in type writer.) The bell boy who found Brainard 
lying insensible on the floor in his room in the hotel, 
sav-/ fragments of a clever article, evidently intended for 
the press. The head lines v/ere underscored and read as 
follows: S'PECIAL SESSION IN WHICH THE BILL 
PEOVIDTNG A FUND FOR GOVERNMENT PUR- 
CHASE OF PUBLIC UTILITIES WAS PASSED BY 
A LARGE MAJORITY OVER THE PRESIDENT'S 
VETO! (To Le Moyne.) What do you think of that?" 

Le Tsl. (Sadly.) He dies hard. Poor fellov/, how he must have 
suffered ''n his defeat. 

Jones (And mob faintly.) Extry! All about the mob .in lower 
Broadway! 

Robey (Continuing.) Senator Eid'ong and several prominent 
Congressmen were in the hotel discussing the expensive 
lobbying maintained throughout the session; Mrs. P.eade's 
return to the social vvorld; the brilliancy of her weekly 
reccDtions which usually brought together the highest of- 
ficials and financiers 

Charley (Rushes in with matter which he gives to Le Moyne. 
Door stands open.) 

Mob (No'se of m^ob, telegraph dispatchers' phones ringing, 

stock ticker running off ribbon excitedly. 

News (Cry out together excitedly) Extry! All about the riot in 

the stock exchange! 

Jones Extry! All about the riot in the stock exchange. Police 
unable to quell the riot. 

Le M. (Hurriedly writes dispatch and gives to boy, motioning 
him to hurry.) 

Charley (Exits, closing door on noises. Everything must be 
quiet 'during the following.) 

Robey (Who has been busy typing.) Catch this, Mr. I e Moyne, 
(Reads from roll.) IT LS' NOW THOROUGHLY UN- 
DERSTOOD THAT TLTE FUNDING BILL WA^f THE 
RESULT OF AN INFAMOUS PLOT OF BANKRUPT 
TRUSTS TO FOIST GOVERNMENT OWNERSHIP 
OF DEPRECIATED PROPERTIES UPON THE PEO- 
PLE AT THEIR FORAIER INFLATED VALUATION. 
THESE PROPERTIES WERE THE FTR^ST THROWN 
ON THE MARKET AND ARE NOW SELLING AT 
AN AVERAGE OF EIGHTEEN CENTS ON THE 
DOLLAR. THUS PARALLEL MANAGEMENT OF 
THE TOII TNG VICTIMS OF THESE TRUST& HAS 
COMPELI FD RESTITUTION. DOT J AR FOR DOL- 
LAR AT THE SAME DEPRECIATED PRICES AT 
V/HICH THEIR PROPERTIES WERE WRESTED 
FROM THEM THROUGH PERIODICAL PANICS. 

Taylor (Rings bell at Robey's phone.) 

Charley (Enters.) 

Bus. (Mob, typewriters, etc., as Charley enters.) 

Robey (Tears typed matter from roll, gives to Charley. Speaks 
through phone.) 

News All about the mad riot in the stock exchange. Police un- 
able to quell the rioters. 

Charley (Takes copy from Robey and from Le Moyne and exits 
closing door. Subdued noise.) 

44 



Taylor (Rings bell at Le Moyne's phone.) (The following must 
be heard distinctly.) 

Le AI. (Takes rceciver.) Hello! HELLO! Who's this? Oh, is 
that you, Armstrong? — Why yes, of course, you're man- 
aeing that part of it. — What's that? — That is all right. 
When our reserve is gone, draw sight drafts on the Grand 

Master. I'll wire right away for all surplusages. NO. 

— NO! NO! Wc can't afford to let anything get av/ay 
from us at the present "figures — What*s t'hat? — CATA- 
CLYSM! Yes, I should say. Supplied by the watef 
running out of stocks. — eh? — Yes, that's right. (Laughs.) 
— I'm rushed too. Good bye. (Pushes electric button 
on desk. Takes dispatch blank, writes rapidly.) 

Charley (Enters. Takes dispatch from Le Moyne, who motions 
h'm av/ay hurriedly. Exits.) 

Bus. (Of mob, news, etc., repeated as door is open.) (Stock 

ticker, dispatchers active.) 

Robey Here's something rich, Mr. Le Movne. 

Le !M. (Writing. Nods his head assentingly.) Reads ribbon 
from stock ticker as it runs.) 

Taylor (Rings Robey's phone. Building is attacked.) 

Robey (Listening.) — Wliat's that? — What? — Neat hold up of an 
absconding banker by a determ.ined depositor, is thai 
right? — Yes, I got that, wait a minute. (Starts to read typed 
matter again.) Taylor rings phone on Le Moyne's desk. 

T e M. (Takes receiver.) Yes, Mrs. Reade. 

Robey (Through phone.) Hello, Jim. Switch off on to A. Good 
bye. (Tears off copy, Exits.) 

Bus. (Of mob, etc., as Robey exits.) 

Jones Extry! All about the riot. Speculators v.-ild with rage, 
like cattV in a stampede. 

Piper Extry! All rbout Brainard failing. (Noise is subdued.) 

Le M. (Through phone.) Yes, T guess it was his last expiring 
effort — No, no, Mrs. Reade. There's no reison why you 
should f el uneasy. Your secret service here and in 
Washington was as necessary as any other part of the 
w^ork. It was that phonograph record of their voices 
that won the veto for the people. Yes, our men gave 
them a hot contest both in the house and senate, but 
they couldn't beat cash. Senator Garrick alone cashed in 
several millions. — No, all their securities were hypothe- 
cated and were sold to cover. — ^Wnat's that? 

Bus. TAttack on building heard as if far below.) 

Le M. No, Armstrong tried to help them for old time's sake, but 
it was no use. 

Bus. (Attack on building louder. ?.Iob noise increases slightly, 

then is subdued again. News cries are faintly heard. Etc. 

Le M. What's that? Yes, Armstrong has fairly surpassed him- 
self in the last two years — ^They'Il have to start even wirh 
the rest of us, that's all — But its nothing compared to 
the ruin of the millions THEY victimized. 
Bus. (Repeated.) (Attack grows louder, editors startled.) 

Le M. What's that? — Say it again. There's such a confusion of 
sounds. — Oh. my scalp! Don't worrv. I'll get busy about 
that time mvself. W^ll. we can't die but once. I will. 
Good bye. (Hangs receiver. Rises nervously and walks 

45 



down R. Places hand on rim of globe. Dra.vs his leff 
Land across his forehead and temple expressing deepest- 
thought.) And nov/ the mind that would outstrip the 
purpose of the Creator lies palsied in its greatest strain.. 
(Sighs, moves his head negatively with lips firmly closed.) 
There is only one way to eternn.l power, and that is God's 
way. Poor, helpless mass. I WISH that I could help- 
h'.m. 
Tim (Enters.) 

Bus. (of mob, news cries, attack on building, etc., repeated, un- 

til door is closed.) 
Tim Misther Le ^.Toyne. Here's a note came ii. through a 

vintilator wrapped around a stone. 
Le M. <;Takes note.) Thank ^^ou, Tim. 

Tim (Awkwardly standing, tvv'irling his hat.) Sure, Mr. Le 

Moyn , I barrud the iron dures and windies vvhen I hcerd 
thim crazy speculators were after yez, but begorry, the 
bunch of thim have gone ravin mad. And unless the po- 
lice scathers thim, it's harrud wurrek Lll be after h^vin' 
g^^ttin ye out of the building alive. 
T e M. Have no fear. Tim. (Speaks affectionately.) 
Tim Fear is it? Divil a bit for mcsilf. Sure if there's any 

fightin'T ye can count on me for the last drop of blood 
in me body. 
Le M. Thank you, Tim. I hope it will not com.e to that. 
Tim Lm not a^ter fighting thim crazy divils meself, but you 

mark me word, they'll be up furninst it if they dynamite 
me dures. 
Le M. Why, what have you done? 

Tim Sure all thim illevators are up at the top of the building', 

and I have the young automatic tiring gun at the head 
of the stairs all ready for the first bunch that lands in- 
side. 
Le M. (Taking Tim affectionately by the hand.) It'll not be needed. 
Tim. But surely if there's any fighting to be done. I'll 
not forget your brave offer. But th'=; is a war of money. 
The battle has been fought to the bitter end, the people 
have won. I thank you, Tim, and I shall not forget your 
loyalty. 
Tim (Exits, saying aside.) Sure Tim !\TcCarthy has the elec- 

tric wire already to touch off the gun just the same. 
Bus. (of mob, noise, news cries, attacks on building repeated 

louder. All editors rush out.) 
Tones Extrj^! All about the second stroke of apoplexy. 
Piper Extry! Second stroke of apoplexy proves fatal. 
Jones Extry! All about the mob of speculators rushing the 
police. 

Le ^L (Reading, as door is closed.) "Your life is to pay the 
forfeit of vour daring." A friend. (Tosses note in waste 
basket, returns to desk, resumes pen.) 

Bus. of attack on building, etc , becomes more frequent. Noise 

of mob etc., rushes in as Holmes enters. 

Holmes (Rushes in at door, shouting above the din.) Le Moync. 
Don't you know that there is a mob of infuriated specu- 
lators below clamoring for 3'our life? 

46 



"Le M. Well, Harvey, my boy, I'll try to do my part if they breaT< 
in. 

Holmes Alan alive, you don't stand a fightirg chance. Think of 
Agnes. She is ill. The shock of your death would kill 
her. 

Le M. 111? Why I thought she was the reigning belle of the 
season. 

Holmes So she was. But she sought excitement only to assuage 
the pain at her heart. She loves you. Every one attri- 
butes her decline to the cold she took at the Ashly ball, 
but ..he is dying only fo- lack of DESIRE TO LIVE. 
Zora and I have knov>-n her secret ever since we returned 
from our wedding trip. It was she who named our boy 
Daniel Le Aloyne after you, and were you to see her 
with him clasped in her arms, you would think an angel 
had wandered out of heaven to care for the babe. Day 
by day she has grown more fragile, until rov.- she is 
wasting away like a flower that is deprived of the sun- 
shine. 

Te M. (Wi'th his head bowed as Holmes speaks.) Poor child. 
And I thought she was soon to be married, and v/as happy. 

Holmes Only a newspaper sensation made you think that. 

Bus. Heavy crash of bldg. 

Holmes (Rushes to window. Noise slightly increased, Holmes 
shouts.) Le Moyne! For God's sake, do something. .S'ave 
yourself. There's not a second to be lost! Look down 
there at that mass of upturned faces! 

Le ]\r. (Goes to window, looks down.) 

Bus. (A shot breaks small pane of glass just above Le Aloyne's 

head.) 

Holmes (Draws down +he window.) Gad, that as a close call! 

Taylor (Rings Le Moyne's phone. Vigorously.) 

Bus. and heavy crash on building.) 

Le M. (Looking out at window.) What is that coming in from 
the east side and over there west of Broadway. (Answers 
ring at phone, shaking broken glass from shoulder.) 

Holmes (Again throws up window excitedly.) Mob noise swells 
into a roar. .Holmes waves his hand mad with joy and 
shouts.) It's a mob of the people. Come here, Le Aloyne! 
Your enemies are now at the mercy of your friends who 
are tearing down upon them like mad. Oh! They aren't 
doing a thing to 'em! My! But the tigers are game. But 
the people are IT! (Pulls down window at a signal from 
Le Moyne. Rushes to him, throws his arms around his 
neck weeping for joy.) Old nian, you've won! 

Le AI. (Through phone.) Yes, this is Le Aloyne. 

Llolmes (Excitedly.) Why do you locate yourself for them to 
find you. 

Le M. Keep still, it's Mrs. Temple. 

Holmes (Frantic.) It's a decoy. (Pleads.) Don't take any 
chances now wlien the worst is over. Remember how Lin- 
coln was killed. Come! look! (Tries to draw Le Mo3'ne 
to window.) 

Le M. Xo. \\'ait. Listen for 3'ourself. You can hear her voice 
distinctly. (Through phone.) Lll be there in less than 
an hour! 

47 



Holmes You'll be there in less than an hour! You'll never get 
beyond the outside door. 

Le AI. Hush. They fear that Agnes is dying. 

Bus. (Loud attack on building. A shot breaks another pane of 

glass.) 

Holmes You see what you have to face! 

Le M. (Touches spring in panel, it glides back, disclosing set 
brick oassage.) You have forgotten in your excitement I 
had this made to . beat the detectives. All attention is 
centered on the front of the building. There is little 
danger this way. But, Harvey. ^ly more than friend — if 
anything SHOULD happen 4o prevent my reaching Agnes 
before she — is — called — away — convey a message to her 
by phone. Tell her — that my whole soul has gone out to 
her. That my desire for her companionship and love has 
at times left me with an indescribable sense of desola- 
tion — That there have been moments when I could hardly 
resist the temptation to go to her and tell her of my love. 
I cannot wait to say more — Good bye. my boy. God bless 
and keep you. (Takes hat from rack L. LL. starts to go, 
stands with Holmes listening to loud muffled explosion. 
Holmes rushes to window. Raises it.) 

Bus. (Explosion in the distance and increased mob noise, etc., 

etc., etc.) 

CURTAIN, 



48 



ACT. iV. 

Bor.doir setting same as in prolog. Newspaper ar.d dainty 
bible are placed on cor.ch. 

BUSINESS. 
Before rise of curtain and after as per cues, the varion.s 
voices cry out the news as heard in streets around priv- 
ate residence quarters.) 
Lee Extry! All about the mob war. 

Sm.ith Extry! All about the riot in the stock exchange and fin- 
ancial revolution. 
Lee Extry! All about the financial revolution! 

News POIPER! (Church bells and whistles are heard, men 
whistle for papers. All is repeated in the distance in al- 
ternation, gradually diminishing as curtain rises, but 
continuing as per cues.) 
Agnes (Ts discovered lying on couch. Has bible in her hand, is 

listening to the new cries.) 
Music (Pianissimo, with French horn in orchestra until cue for 

discontmuing.) 
Agnes (As the news cries grow fainter Agnes reads from the 
bible:) And in the days of these kings shall the God of 
heaven set up another kingdom which shall never be 
destroyed. And the kingdom shall not be left to other 
people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these 
kingdoms and shall stand forever. For as much as thou 
sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountains with- 
out hands and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, 
the clay, the silver and the gold, the great God hath made 
known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter. 
And the dream is certain and the interpretation thereof 
sure. 
Smith (Faintly in the distance but distinctly.) Extry! All 

about the riot and destruction in the stock exchange! 
Agnes (Listens intently and repeats slowly.) And in the days 
of these — MONEY — kings shall the God of heaven set 
up another kingdom which shall never be destroved! 
Lee (Faintly in the distance but distinctly.) Extry! All about 

the riot in the stock exchange and the financial revo- 
lution f 
Agnes The kingdom of the people wherein the Christ spirit shall 
reign forever. Unselfishness, the corner stone — that was 
cut out of the mountains without hands. (Listens.) 
Lee (Nearer.) Extry! All about the riot in the stock ex- 

change and the mob Avar! 
Agnes (Listens then repeats impressively and sloudy.) Shall 
break in pieces the iron, the brass, the clav, the silver 
and the gold— MONOPOLIES— Tt shall break in pieces 
and consume — ABSORB — all these kingdoms — and s'lall 
stand forever.— A KINGDOM OF BROTHERLY T OVE. 
Wherein the oath of allegiance shall be: THOU SHALT 
LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS' THY SELF. 
Lee Extry! All about the riot in the stock exchange! 

Agnes (Listening.) And the dream is certain and the interpre- 
tation thereof sure. (Rests, then picks up newspaper, 
reading as newsboys are heard in the distance.) 

49 



Smith Ext:y! All about the mob war! Mih'tia called out! 
All Extry! All about the mob war! Speculators like cattle^ 

in a stampede! Mounted police unable to quell the rioters!! 
Militia called out! 
Lee Extry! All about the militia and mounted police! 

News (Is repeated alternating the voices. Receding and grow- 
ing fainter.) 
Agnes (Glancing from the journal.) His words. How gentle 
and charitable. And now, in the hour of his triumph, 
they breathe only the spirit of love and justice to all.. 
They tell me, how despite the storms that have raged 
about him, that there is only peace within. May his light 
and strength come to me as I walk in tlie valley 
—of the shadow- — of— death. (She sinks her head in the 
pillow exhausted.) 
M;;'s. T. (Enters L. 3 E. Cautiously approaches bed. Speaks 

softly.) Agnes, Darling. 
Agnes (Opens her eyes, speaks faintly.) Yes, Aunt Lucy. 
Mrs. T. Agnes, I have something good to tell you. Can you bear- 
it, dearest, without exciting yourself? Try to be calm. 
Agnes (Brightening.) Yes, yes, aunty, I know. He is here. 
Father came to me again in my sleep and told m.e all. 
How he has sacrificed his love for me, on the altar of 
love for all. I am glad he has come, for now I want to 
tell him I am willing to give as freely as he. Even — my — 
life. 
Mrs T. No. no, Agnes, you shall not leave us. He has come to 
make you WANT to live. He sent a message of love- 
to you for fear that he might not reach you through the 
mob. But there, he has come to tell you with his own 
lips. Summon up your will power, dearest, as you know 
how so well. 
Agnes Yes, yes, aunty, I'll try. 
Mrs. T. (Exits L. 3 E. Holding drapery back for Le Moyne to 

enter.) 
Le M. (Enters L. 3 E. Takes position at upper side of couch, 
facing audience. Kneels and throws his arms about Ag- 
nes.) Agnes! Darling! I cannot let you go! I will bring 
you back with my love! 
Agnes (Smiles and extends her hands as he approaches bedside.) 

I am so happy to know that you love me. 
Le M. Love you, darling, I have worshipped you. Almost for- 
gettinar that there was a God, save in you. In all my trials 
your pure spirit has shone before me like a guiding star, 
leading me on and making my burdens lighter. Oh, God, 
have I been working under a mistaken sense of duty? Let 
this cup of bitterness pass. Save, oh, save her! Father, 
I implore! 
Agries (Tenderly.) Do not grieve for me, dear heart, it is better 
so. Precious as your love is to me, I am willing to go. 
You will come bye and bye and our souls will still be 
united as they have been ever since we first met. 
Le M. (With a tinge of bitterness in his words.) And yet no 
word or hint has ever come to me of this great- sacrifice, 
and I am to blame for all your unhappiness. (B^ows his 
head), 

50 





•Z9 ^^f74^ 



^ne copy del. to Cat. Div. 
DEC ti 19M 




?&57^ 



i 



-Agnes (Lays her hand lovingly on his head.) No dear one, no. 
It was so ordered. Reparation for my father's sins was 
demanded of him in the life beyond, even the sacrifice 
of 4:he one he loved so well. So, dear heart, do not think 
that you have been the cause of shortening my life here. 
The Father has willed it. (Closes her eves.) 

Le M. (Gently removes her hand from liis head.) Her hand is 
cold! (Closes his teeth over his under lip to restrain him- 
self. Looks at her face. Exclaims i'n anguish.) Oh God! 
MUST I see her go like this! YOU HAVE GIVEN ME 
POWER TO HELP OTHERS. HELP ME, NOW; 
GRANT ME THIS ONE, LITTLE, LIFE. (Gradually 
as with supreme effort he bends his head.) THY WILL BE 
DONE. 

Agnes (As he prays, Agnes' eyes open with the old glad light; 
she joins him in prayer, clasping her hands in meek sup- 
plication, then tenderly lays a hand on his bowed head.) 

Te M. (Turns to look at her, clasps here in his arms in a frenzy 
of joy.) Agnes! Come back to me! The Father has not 
willed that you shall go now! You are to live and enjoy 
with the world the blessings you have bestowed upon it. 
It is God's will, my darling! Thank God! My prayer is 
answered. (Weeps for joy and holds her close to his 
heart.) 

IVIrs. T. Enters R. 3 E. Apprehensively.) 

Le M. I ook, Mrs. Temple, the crisis has passed. Agnes will live, 
(lays her on couch.) 

Mrs. T. (Puts her arms around Agnes.) Oh, Agnes, my darling, 
you WILL live. God bless you, Mr. Le Moyne. (Turns 
and goes weeping.) 

Le M. (To Mrs. T.) Dear, faithful heart. 1 feel that Agnes is 
spared to us by the grace of Divine love. Henceforth, 
we will take up our lifework togetlier. (Tenderly strokes 
her hair.) 

Dr. M. (Enters C. D.) How's this? 

Mrs. T. (Rushes excitedly to meet him, falls in his arms.) Oh, 

Dr. M. (Clasps her tightly, looks at Le ?^loyne, beamingly.) At 
last! 

Mrs. T. /S'ee Doctor, how well your prescription has worked. 

Dr. M. (Goes down to Agnes and Le Movne, takes them both 
by the hands. Pauses, counts pulse in Agnes' wrist.) 
I knew that you were our last hope my boy. T congratu- 
late you! 

Le M. (Laughing.) .A.nd T congratulate you, Doctor. 1 sup- 
pose it is all settled? 

Dr. M. I'll settle it right now. (Boldly and comically api)roachcs 
Mrs. T., with hands l)ehind him under skirt of coat.) 
I^Iadam! It has come to this. Will you marry me. just 
say yes or no. 

Mrs. T. Of course I will, you dear old innocent. Why didn't you 
ask me long ago. (Takes him by the lapels of his coat, 
kisses him.) 

Dr. M. (Ts startled at first, then pleased, then turns the other 
cheek.) 

Mrs. T. (Playfully shakes him by the lapels of his coat.) 

Zora (Enters C. D., carr3Mng baby six months old or more. 

5) 



DEC 6 \m 



} 



All 
Dr. M. 



Jos, 



Agnes 
Jos. 
Le M..- 




Le M. 



Ts followed by a nurse in nurse's attire.) Oli, Agnes, E 

just couldn't stay away and I brought little Daniel Le: 

Moyne to cheer you. (Takes baby down to Agnes and 

Le Moyne who fondle it.) 

(Gather around the couch.) 
(Takes the baby away from Agnes and goes left with 

Mrs. T.) She has big Daniel Le Moyne to cheer her 

now, we'll keep the baby. 

(Enters C. D.) Mrs. Temple, Mr. Holmes has called for 

3^ou again at the phone. (Sees Agnes. Goes to couch,. 

falls on her knees, kisses Agnes' hand.) My littki '^" -' 

Dear old nursie, I'm going to get well. % .. 

(Retires up near C. D.) 

(To Mrs. T.) Has he phoned before? 

(Gives baby to ZoTa or nurse who exits with it.) 
T. Near C. D.) Yes, your messa^^e to Agnes, 
said that if you reached here, to tell you that the mi 
police and militia together had' succeeded in disprrsing- 
the mob. That martial law h-'-d been declared. And that 
most of the leading combatants on both sides had been 
imprisoned. He Faid to tell you that the force was all 
at work in the office, and for you to' remain here until he 
summoned you. 

(Smiiling.) My work is about finished, and for the pres- 
ent my pleasing duty lies here. Come, let us answer 

the phone together. (Goes to C. D.) 

("Wedding March", Pianissimo) increasing then decreas- 
ing". 

Yes, everybody out now. My patient must have some 
sleep. (Is preparing a powder from his pocket medicine 
case ready to give to Agnes.) 

(Exit except Le M., who after going to C. D., returns 
and clasps Agnes in his arms.) 

(Turns from table with powder to give ta Agnes, Looks 
over his glasses at them). 

QUICK DARK STAGE. 
("The Wedding March'' is played on church organ for- 
tissimo at first, decreasing to pianissimo as red light is 
turned on through the fire place, continuing softly through- 
out the acting tableaux, then increasing to fortissimo as 
curtain descefids. 

and Dr. M. exit during dark stage. 

(Is discovered asleep as red light is turned on, in the 
some position as when at end of prolog. Has envelope 
containing bond subscription in her hand. Awakens at 
the sound of a falling log in the grate which shoots forth 
a flame of light that plays upon her face and form. A 
smile is playing about her lips. She looks radiantly hap- 
py, but surprised. Rises to a sitting position; glances 
around the room as if to assure herself of the reality; 
looks at bond subscription, sighs, the happy smile still 
playing around her lips. 

CURTAIN, - 

END OF PLAY. . '"'^''"''^ ^'^ ^^^^''^^^ 

52 



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